Today, World Vision Kenya joins the global community in marking International Women’s Day under the theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” This theme underscores the urgent need to uphold the rights of women and girls, ensure access to justice, and take meaningful, coordinated action to advance gender equality. At World Vision Kenya, we recognize that when communities invest in women and girls through education, economic opportunities, leadership, and protection from violence, they become stronger, more resilient, and better able to thrive. This day serves as a reminder that gender equality is not only a matter of human rights but also a driver of sustainable development and lasting social transformation.
Global Situation
Globally, gender inequality continues to limit the opportunities and safety of women and girls. An estimated 2.4 billion women of working age do not have the same economic rights as men1, while women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership and economic decision-making. Violence against women also remains widespread worldwide. These realities highlight the urgent need for sustained investment in gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Kenya’s Local Context
Kenya has made notable progress in advancing gender equality through legislation, advocacy, and increasing participation of women in education, leadership, and economic activities. However, significant challenges remain. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022, KNBS & ICF, 41% of women who have ever had a partner have experienced some form of violence, approximately 15% of women aged 15–49 have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and about 52% of women aged 15–49 are employed compared to 78% of men2, highlighting ongoing disparities in safety, protection, and economic opportunities.
World Vision Kenya’s Commitment to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment World Vision Kenya remains committed to advancing gender equality through programmes that empower women economically, prevent violence against women and girls, and promote inclusive participation in community decision-making.
Key achievements supporting gender equality and women’s empowerment include: 1. Women’s Economic Empowerment
Through the Empowered World View model, over 1.8 million people, including 1,008,000 women, have been supported in building confidence, identifying economic opportunities, and strengthening household decision-making. Women are increasingly starting small
1 World Bank (2023). Women, Business and the Law 2023.
h2ps://www.worldbank.org/en/publica>on/women-business-and-the-law 2 World Bank. (2023). Women, Business and the Law 2023. h2ps://www.worldbank.org/en/publica>on/women business-and-the-law
businesses, including livestock rearing, beekeeping, dairy farming, grocery shops, salons, and fruit vending.
- Savings and Financial Resilience
Through Savings for Transformation (S4T) groups, 20,718 savings groups with 310,737 members, including 174,012 women, have collectively mobilised over KES 2.4 billion in savings between 2021 and 2025, strengthening financial resilience and enabling women to invest in livelihoods and household wellbeing.
- Strengthening Women’s Livelihoods and Climate Resilience
More than 158,000 women are currently engaged in agricultural and value-chain activities including poultry farming, horticulture, honey production, fruit processing, goat rearing, and handicrafts. Through climate-smart agriculture and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), over 500,000 farmers have improved crop yields, restored land, and increased household incomes.
- Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
Through the Big Dream to End Child Marriage programme, 745 girls were rescued from risks of child marriage and FGM, while 3,242 young people participated in Alternative Rites of Passage programmes, providing culturally respectful alternatives to harmful practices.
- Supporting Girls’ Education and Leadership
World Vision Kenya supported 2,117 vulnerable learners, including 1,558 girls, with school fee subsidies and reintegration support, contributing to a 94% retention rate for girls across programme areas. Child Rights Clubs and mentorship platforms continue to strengthen girls’ leadership and voice.
- Strengthening Community Protection Systems
Training of 612 law enforcers and 1,592 community child protection actors has strengthened reporting and response systems for cases of violence, abuse, and harmful practices affecting women and girls.
- Promoting Gender-Transformative Approaches
Through initiatives such as Channels of Hope Gender, Celebrating Families, and the Becoming One couples curriculum, more than 907,500 women have participated in programmes that promote equitable relationships, strengthen leadership, and encourage shared decision-making within households and communities.
World Vision Kenya marks international day of zero tolerance for female genital mutilation
‘‘Gender equality isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing for everyone. When women and girls have access to education, opportunities to earn, and protection from harm, they lift not just themselves, but their families and communities. This International Women’s Day, I urge everyone, including governments, organisations, and communities, to invest in women and girls. Because when we give to them, we all gain: stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for everyone.” says Gilbert Kamanga, National Director, World Vision Kenya.
Call to Action
As we mark International Women’s Day, World Vision Kenya calls on all stakeholders to accelerate efforts toward gender equality:
- Government to strengthen implementation of gender policies, expand economic opportunities for women, and protect women and girls from violence and harmful practices. • Faith and Community Leaders to challenge harmful social norms and champion dignity, respect, and equality for women and girls.
- Civil Society and Media to amplify the voices of women and girls and raise awareness about gender equality.
- Development Partners and the Private Sector to sustain investment in programmes that strengthen women’s livelihoods, leadership, and protection.
- Families and Communities to support girls’ education, promote shared decision-making, and create safe environments where women and girls can reach their full potential.
