| Issue/Objective |
Homa Bay County, Kenya, faces intersecting health challenges, including a high HIV prevalence (19.6% overall, 22.1% among women) and a teenage pregnancy rate of 33%. These issues are compounded by entrenched gender disparities, poverty, and social exclusion, particularly among youth, young mothers, and women with disabilities. The objective of EmpowHER Kenya was to address these disparities by empowering marginalized women and youth as change agents, promoting gender-responsive health solutions, and fostering inclusive leadership to strengthen community health systems.
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| Methodology/Approach |
EmpowHER Kenya implemented a 12-month program across five sub-counties, targeting 300 women and girls. Participants engaged in peer-led micro-cooperatives that provided training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and leadership. Mentorship from former beneficiaries-trained as peer leaders-was central to the model. Mobile health (mHealth) tools were used to disseminate SRH and HIV education, send ART reminders, and offer confidential feedback. A mixed-methods evaluation, including pre/post surveys, health facility data, and focus groups, assessed outcomes related to income, health behaviors, and leadership participation. |
| Results |
Seventy-two percent of participants reported an increase in household income, with 63% launching income-generating activities. HIV testing uptake rose by 38%, and ART adherence improved by 22%. SRH service use increased by 31%. Notably, 54% of participants assumed leadership roles in local health committees and youth forums-up from 12% at baseline. Women with disabilities experienced a threefold increase in leadership participation, demonstrating a shift toward greater social inclusion, confidence, and autonomy. |
| Discussion/Conclusion |
EmpowHER Kenya highlights the importance of integrating economic empowerment, gender-responsive policies, and inclusive leadership in addressing global health challenges. By empowering youth and marginalized women as change agents and leaders, the program fostered sustainable, community-driven health solutions. This model offers a scalable approach for advancing global health, ensuring diverse perspectives and leadership are central to addressing health inequities in a changing world. |
| Presenters and affiliations |
Charles Ngicho EmpowHER Kenya |
