Rise Up launched its new program in Kenya this November by welcoming a group of 25 passionate and dedicated local leaders to our Leadership and Advocacy Accelerator training. Rise Up Kenya Leaders are focused on improving girls’ access to education and will soon be able to apply for competitive Rise Up grant funding to carry out their ambitious advocacy projects. We asked a few of the new Kenya leaders about their Rise Up experience and how it will strengthen the work they are doing to positively impact women and girls and advance gender equity in their country.

“My time with Rise Up has been pivotal and impactful to the advocacy work I do for women, girls, youth education, health and gender equity. The programming is a helpful contributor to how we create, contribute, implement, and uphold all forms of advocacy from campaign coordination to legislative relationships and everything in between.”

–Sylvia Khasoa Sore, Founder & CEO, Simama Na Dada Initiative

“I have always done basic advocacy in my career as a gender and human rights advocate. My time [with] Rise Up has transformed me into a whole new person.”

–Beatrice Bikeri, Gender and Governance Lead, Integrated Education for Community Empowerment (IECE)

“[My experience with Rise Up] represented a platform where I connected with like-minded individuals, expanded my knowledge and gained new perspectives to strengthen my organization’s impact and drive sustainable change in Kenya and beyond.”

–Dennis Juma, Legal Committee Coordinator, Social Justice Centres Working Group

The new Kenya program builds on Rise Up’s previous work in the country, including our partnership with the Centre for the Study of Adolescence (CSA). Naomi Nyaboke Monda, Rise Up’s Kenya Program Coordinator, credited CSA for its integral in-country support.

“Gratitude knows no bounds as we extend our heartfelt thanks to CSA for being the anchor of our programming in Kenya,” Naomi said. “Together with CSA, we are embarking on a transformative journey to provide these leaders with the training, funding, and networks they need to create transformative change and improve access to education for adolescent girls across Kenya. As we express our deepest thanks to CSA, we look forward to building on these achievements and shaping a brighter future for adolescent girls in Kenya.”

Meet Rise Up’s newest leaders in Kenya here.