Pillar 02

Gender Equality & Inclusivity

Advancing the rights of all genders through community engagement and capacity building — so no one is left behind.

Gender equality community engagement in Kenya
Community members and men supporting gender equality
A Holistic Approach

Equality is built by everyone, together.

We support action for men and people of all genders to join forces with women in a bold, united movement for gender equality. The men supporting women are not bystanders — they actively collaborate to build thriving businesses, nurture families, and contribute to their communities.

True equality requires addressing the unique challenges and opportunities experienced by people of all genders — women, men, and gender-diverse individuals — fostering collaboration, understanding, and equity across social, economic, and political life.

How We Work

Nine principles of holistic gender empowerment

Each principle shapes how we design programmes and engage communities.

01

Intersectionality

Addressing the diverse experiences shaped by overlapping factors: gender, age, ethnicity, disability, socio-economic status, and sexual orientation.

02

Inclusive Policies & Programmes

Gender-responsive policies that cater to the needs of all genders and eliminate systemic barriers.

03

Gender Sensitisation

Educating communities on gender norms and stereotypes, encouraging dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

04

Shared Responsibility

Engaging men and boys as allies in challenging harmful norms and advocating structural change.

05

Economic Empowerment

Access to resources, skills training, and financial independence for all genders, addressing economic disparities.

06

Education for All

Quality education with curricula that emphasise equality, inclusion, and mutual respect.

07

Addressing GBV

Preventing and responding to gender-based violence affecting all genders, including survivors of domestic violence and harassment.

08

Mental Health & Well-being

Safe spaces and counselling for those affected by gender-related discrimination — holistic support for emotional well-being.

09

Community-Led Solutions

Empowering local communities to lead initiatives that address gender disparities and drive sustainable change.

What We Have Done

Real interventions, real communities

Our gender equality work is grounded in specific, measurable action across Bomet, Kajiado, and Narok.

Ndanai & Sotik · Bomet County

Mentorship of over 500 girls

We run mentorship programmes that help girls discover their rights and leadership capabilities, building confidence and advocacy skills. Safe spaces act as hubs where girls and women connect, learn about reproductive health, access resources, and receive mentorship in a supportive environment.

Girls mentorship programme in Bomet County
Alternative Rite of Passage graduation ceremony
Bomet County

Alternative Rite of Passage (AROP)

We celebrate and graduate girls through Alternative Rite of Passage ceremonies — a dignified alternative to female genital mutilation. SRHR advocacy and training equip young girls with essential knowledge about their bodies, reproductive health, and rights, helping combat myths, stigma, and harmful practices such as early marriage, FGM, and sexual exploitation.

Primary & Secondary Schools

Sanitary pad distribution

Managing menstruation is a significant challenge for girls in low-income settings. We distribute sanitary pads to girls in primary and secondary schools — including during school holidays — reducing absenteeism, promoting menstrual hygiene management, and improving academic performance.

Sanitary pad distribution to schoolgirls

Women hold the key to a community's growth. When they thrive, everyone does.

Economic & Social Empowerment

Skills, savings, and self-reliance

Women often face poverty, disenfranchisement, and violence, compounded by systemic barriers from a young age. We empower women socio-economically in marginalised rural areas — training in numeracy, business, and vocational skills, establishing women-led savings groups and businesses, and educating on rights, decision-making, and health. We also engage male leaders and community members on women's economic and social rights.

Women's economic empowerment training in Chepalungu
Widows group economic support in Esonorua, Kajiado
Esonorua · Kajiado County

Empowering widows' groups

We support widows' groups with livestock — including goats — to give them a foundation for economic stability and independence.

Kajiado & Narok Counties

Clean water access

Access to clean water is a challenge in arid and semi-arid areas. We provide households with low-tech water filter pots that separate dirt from clean water, giving families safe drinking water and reducing waterborne diseases. Clean, safe drinking water is a right to good health.

Water filter pot distribution in Kajiado and Narok
From The Field

Our gender work in pictures

SSFK gender programme
SSFK gender programme
SSFK gender programme
SSFK gender programme
SSFK gender programme
SSFK gender programme

Help us reach more communities.

Partner on mentorship, economic empowerment, SRHR, and GBV prevention across Bomet, Kajiado, and Narok.