Dear Friends, supporters, beneficiaries and all stakeholders,
As HFAW, we kept our promise for 2023! We continued with our school advocacy where we reached 15 hard
to reach schools reaching over 4731 pupils, reached over 75 men, over 50 women in Nyamira County and
over 70 women living with disabilities in Kajiado County. The goal of our anti-GBV and anti-FGM advocacy in
schools is to nib these harmful practices on their bud. As we engage young people and their teachers, we are
literary uprooting these practices from the young minds. We are noticing a significant shift in attitudes in
Nyamira County where young people are rapidly embracing change. We see a positive trend where the young
are not only committing to spread word against FGM but also willing to defend their siblings when and if they
see someone threatening to perform the practice.
Our male engagement has been critical to our movement. We are seeing men commit to end FGM in their
homes and villages. As decision makers in many homes we remain hopeful. Our participatory activities of
finance literacy and business management project is just heartwarming. Any donor would want to know that
their grant is making a significant change when a woman living with disability says, “HFAW has changed my
life.” Over 70% of the women who did our first WWDS project are now running their individual projects in
Kajiado County. That WWDS are able to sit down with a member of County Assembly and express their
demands, seek support in accessing services indicates increased confidence and transformation of an
individual from desperation to hope. And yet none of these would have been possible without the enormous
support from both our organizational and individual donors.
HFAW Annual Report_2023
HOPE FOUNDATION FOR AFRICAN WOMEN ANNUAL REPORT 2022
To our Esteemed friends, supporters, and stakeholders,
It is a privilege that we get every year to speak with you through our work. None of it would have been possible without your
enormous contribution in one way or another. You participated as a beneficiary, gave your resources as a donor, collaborated
with us, shared your ideas or advise or simply were our cheerleader.
HFAW continues to show resilience after the Covid 19. It will be a lie to say that things ever went back to normal. This year, we
continued with our anti-FGM advocacy, life skills, prevention of early pregnancies, capacity building of our valued community
health volunteers, engaging men in our anti-fgm advocacy all in Nyamira County. We used our popular education methods and
amplified our voices through the media, both traditional and social media. We also solidified our group lending process in
Nyamira with two women groups which seem to be making real progress after the pandemic. In addition, we focused on women
living with disabilities with mentorship projects, loaning to them as well as introduced table banking all in Kajiado County. Looking
at our impact numbers especially because these are hard to reach regions, this is not a mean achievement.
Looking into 2023, we are highly hopeful because we plan on a completing a strategic plan which will involve recruiting a grant
writer and continued building of staff and board capacity. The team building activities that happened towards the end of this year
closed our year with enthusiasm and hope for a better future.
Our new year 2023 will focus on hard-to-reach places in Nyamira for antiGBV andantifgm advocacy as well as target poor villages
with income generating activities since poverty is generating jiggers infested villages. We will continue to support our vulnerable
groups in Kajiado, the WWDS. Their table banking project and finance literacy mentorship are particularly important. We will
continue supporting our health and rights promoters in ways of building their capacity.
We know that times are hard and challenges are enormous but we also know that we are not alone. With your continued support
we will press forward. We remain grateful because we see how critical your support has been and thank you in advance for
investing in us in 2023. Your participation, generosity, encouragement, feedback, advice, guidance and motivating words are all
welcome and important to us. This work is very hard.
Empowering Abilities Through Sports
A Joyful Day for Special Units in Nakeel,Ongata Rongai, and Nkaimurunya Primary Schools On a bright and cheerful day filled with excitement and laughter, adolescent boys and girls from the special units of Nakeel, Ongata Rongai, and Nkaimurunya Primary
Schools came together for an unforgettable sporting event organized by HFAW (Hope Foundation for African Women) and proudly sponsored by the French Embassy under the PISCCA Project. Held at Nakeel stadium in Ongata Rongai, the event brought together children living with disabilities from the three schools for a day dedicated to inclusion, fun, and the celebration of ability in all its forms. Teachers, parents, caregivers, and community members gathered in support, creating an atmosphere of encouragement and unity.
The day began with an opening ceremony that featured lively performances, music and dance, speeches from ACC Madam Metrine Wafula who doubled as the guest of honor, the Deputy OCS Ongata Rongai police station Madam Josphine, OC Gender Ongata Rongai Police Station Madam Beatrice Kavata, Community policing Agent Mr. Raphael Mbulu, school representatives and words of motivation from HFAW officials focusing on the areas of GBV prevention and reporting mechanisms. Each speaker emphasized the importance of creating inclusive spaces where every child, regardless of ability, can thrive and shine while protecting them from GBV. With whistles blown and flags raised, the sports activities kicked off. The children participated in a range of adaptive games, including wheelchair races, ball-passing
relays, tug-of-war, and team-building obstacle courses tailored to accommodate various physical and cognitive needs. The joy on the children’s faces was unmistakable—laughter echoed across the field as they ran, rolled, jumped, and cheered each other on. One of the standout moments was a unified football match, where students from all three schools teamed up to form mixed-ability squads. The game was not just about winning, but about teamwork, communication, and shared joy. On the sidelines, teachers and volunteers cheered passionately, waving banners and applauding every goal and effort. For many of these children, this was their first opportunity to participate in a large-scale sporting event. It was more than just a fun day—it was a powerful message of inclusion, empowerment, and community support. The event highlighted how sports can serve as a universal language, breaking down barriers and fostering mutual respect and
understanding. The French Embassy’s sponsorship under the PISCCA Project (Projects from Civil Societies and Coalitions of Actors) was instrumental in making the day possible. Through their support, the event provided adaptive sports equipment, meals, transport, and branded T-shirts and medals for all participating children, pads and pants for girls and boxers and soap for boys ensuring that everyone felt recognized and celebrated. As the day came to a close, every team was awarded a medal and every child also walked him with a book and a pen—symbolizing their courage, strength, and spirit. Smiles lit up the field as they posed for group photos displaying their awarded trophies and shared stories of their favorite moments. In a world that too often overlooks those with disabilities, this sporting event stood out as a vibrant reminder: when given the chance, every child has the power to thrive, excel, and inspire.
HOPE FOUNDATION FOR AFRICAN WOMEN ANNUAL REPORT 2020
How grateful we are that we get to talk to you through our work compiled into this annual report for
2020. There is no better word to describe this year than resilience. The outbreak of Covid-19 sent the
world-Kenya not exempted into a panic mode. Public health concerns dominated talks everywhere with
governments and stakeholders grappling with the spread of the Covid-19 virus. While the disease is still
here with us, we are slowly learning to embrace the new normal of operating and implementing project
activities that align with our strategic objectives.
This year, we focused our efforts on our anti-FGM advocacy, especially through the media. This was
important as we experienced such a sharp increase in GBV, FGM, and teen pregnancies. Our efforts also
centered on women living with disabilities and elderly women who happen to be most vulnerable during
the pandemic. Due to resource hardship, we also had to put more effort into mobilizing more resources
to support the various projects within HFAW. Although our efforts were negatively affected by the
economic burden of Covid-19 on people, including our main and targeted donors, the resources we
successfully obtained we used in supporting financial literacy, business management, and leadership
skills for women living with disabilities, loaned a woman group money to support their businesses,
facilitated life skills, end-teenage pregnancy and training of community health promoters, media
outreach, provided relief-support to elderly and women living with disabilities who are survivors of
FGM, and marking key internal days crucial for the empowerment and progress of girls and women. We
are also having a hard time getting loans to be repaid due to the pandemic which hurt women’s
businesses. HFAW continues to make monthly follow up and giving technical support when needed.
Ability Magazine, Second Edition by HFAW
About This Issue
The second edition of the Ability Magazine 2020
focuses on the second phase of Women of Hope Abled
Differently (WHAD) journey to financial
freedom/independence. In this issue, the reader will
be inspired by the resilience of the 24 women, who,
against all odds, launched a posho mill business as a
group. The issues provide individual testimonials from
the group members on the wins and lessons of
empowering women living with disabilities.
The Sustainable Development Goals are anchored on
equality for all. To live up to to the dream, there is an
urgent need to ensure that women/girls living with
disabilities participate in development and decision-making.
Ability Magazine showcases the power of
believing that every person can make a positive change
in the community. This project has been a success with
special support from the African Women
Development (AWDF).
Read the HFAW Ability Magazine Second Edition 2020
Ability Magazine
Through a grant received from AWDF, HFAW implemented a
project dubbed, leadership, business management, and financial
literacy skills in February 2020. The project was anchored on the
common vision for the two organizations for an inclusive society
where no woman is left behind in social, economic, and political
spheres of the community. The project involved three-day
training, monthly mentorship meetings, media outreach, and
launch of an income-generating project. In this magazine, you
will learn of this beautiful journey and see the impact of
empowering women living with disabilities.
Download Ability Magazine First Edition by HFAW 2020
Doing Business While Blind: A story of Akinyi, from Rongai, Kenya
Being diagnosed with sight-loss is devastating. You first experience shock and denial. Then anger. Then fear and anxiety. You can be gripped with unending sadness and fall into depression-especially if you do not get the right professional to help you transition into the life you never imagined you could experience. Loss of sight changes your identity and severely affects even how you go by day-to-day life. We talked to Akinyi, a businesswoman from Kenya, who lost her sight in 2010 due to cataracts.
‘I lost my sight ten years ago. Before that, I would experience frequent migraines. Also, my eyes would turn red. The pain became unbearable. I was advised to seek medical attention. I went to the hospital for tests, and I was told I had cataracts in my eyes. I required an urgent surgery’.
Cataracts prevent the normal movement of light from the lens to the retina because of clump-forming proteins in the eye. They cause blurry vision. In severe cases, they lead to legal or total blindness. There are cases when the patient can regain vision through cataract surgery. However, for Akinyi, it was not only too expensive but also late because the problem had extended to the retina.
‘I underwent surgery. By that time, I could read. However, the doctors later discovered that I had a problem with my retina. So, they resorted to removing my natural lens and replacing them with implants. That is how I lost my sight’.
The loss of sight made Akinyi feel like she had lost the opportunity to be productive. By that time, she had a shop where she sold fish and ‘omena’, commonly referred to as dagaa. However, she could not efficiently manage it. After reflecting deeper, she realised that the only thing she lost was the ability;not her role in the society. Therefore, she had to motivate herself into resuming doing business-even if it required doing it differently.
‘Regardless of my disability, I still ensure that I am financially independent. I sell fish and dagaa. I transport my products from Lake Victoria, Kisumu, to the city. Also, I sell ‘mali mali’ (second-hand items)’.
However, Akinyi has had her fair share of challenges. Managing people working for has been hard. Moving around to purchase products for sale is increasingly becoming costly.
‘I face a lot of problems. For example, every time I move, I have to dig deeper into my pockets. Also, some of the people I employ to help me sometimes neither take me nor the business seriously. They come late or even miss work without a valid reason. In such instances, I depend on good Samaritans. They help me sell and also look for the customer’s cash balance’.
Determined and hard-working women like Akinyi encouraged Hope Foundation for African Women, with support from the African Women Development Fund, to hold a three-day financial literacy and business management training. We wish to unlock the potential of women with special needs in business and support their financial independence through knowledge, skills, and financial support.
Akinyi ( in black coat, at the right side) participating in the leadership, business management, and financial literacy training.
‘I have learned that even if I have a special need, I can do anything. I can even fly to Dubai to purchase products to sell in Kenya. I can get married, have children, and live with my husband, like any other woman. I have learned to manage my business. Thank you so much Hope Foundation for African Women’.
You can watch Akinyi speaking on how helpful and impactful the training was by clicking here
Being A Woman, living with Disability, and Working in the Construction Industry: Hellen Kerina
Polio causes a range of physical disabilities. It leads to muscle weaknesses which may leave a person disabled. Although it often affects legs, it may affect the diaphragm, head, and neck. In 2015, WHO reported that transmission of Polio, a viral infection that can be prevented through vaccination, had been interrupted in Kenya. Nevertheless, many adults live with various disabilities caused by the condition. This is the case of Hellen Kerina, a high-achieving woman with deformed limbs (legs) who attended the financial literacy training organized by Hope Foundation for African Women.
‘I have a physical disability; deformed limbs. I developed polio six months after birth. So I have had to adapt with life with deformed limbs’, begins Kerina.
Living with any form of disability is difficult. However, Kerina believes that a disability should not be a hindrance to achieving a dream and being successful.
‘I started my construction company, Richen Investment Limited Kenya, in 2015 August. A friend and neighbour told me that there were no people living with disabilities applying for construction tenders, yet there was a special consideration for companies owned by PWDs. He asked me if I could consider pursuing this opportunity. At that time, I did not have plans-leave alone the money to start a business. However, I decided to take a leap of faith and started the Richen Investment Limited Company’, Kerina enthusiastically explains.
AGPO was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2013. The goal of the initiative is to encourage the ownership and growth of enterprises by special groups like youths, women, and people living with disabilities. AGPO implements a legal requirement that at least 30% of government opportunities should be given to groups like youths, women, and PWDs. The government reports that the program has supported the growth of enterprises owned by women living with disabilities by giving them access to doing business with the government. Kerina is among its beneficiaries.
‘I registered with AGPO after starting the company. I started applying for tenders. Luckily, I was given one worth 400,000/-. It was really motivating. Since then, I have done many projects with government agencies like KERA (Kenya Rural Roads Authority), for developing rural roads. My company has constructed roads in rural areas in regions like Kisii, Nairobi, Nyamira, and Kitale’, adds Kerina.
Although Kerina admits to enjoying the fruits of accepting self as a person with special needs and going for opportunities provided by programs like AGPO, not all PWDs feel motivated to do that. In fact, she acknowledges that the reason she could get tenders quickly is probably because only a few PWDs applied.
‘Before, people living with disabilities were not bidding for tenders. It may be because of the stigma associated with disability. Also, when a person living with a disability does not accept self, it holds him/her from opportunities. However, things are different today. I am happy to see many people with special needs bidding and winning tenders,’ says Kerina.
The consideration for special groups in opportunities to do business with the government has a downside. Unfortunately, some non-disabled people sometimes lure people with special needs into creating companies and bidding on their behalf. The trick blocks many deserving enterprises owned by special groups from benefiting.
‘I know a man with special needs who started a company, won a government tender and did the project. However, issues started arising after the government paid. He did not get any compensation for his investment in the company’, she adds painfully.
Kerina’s resilience and focus provide three key learning points. Firstly, she has resisted the victim’s mentality. It may be the factor that has contributed to her success in the construction industry. Despite her disability, there is no indication of self-pity from her presentation and expression. She vibrates positive energy and enthusiasm towards life. Secondly, Kerina teaches women to have a fierce determination for success. She admits to having instances where she felt like giving up. However, she held on to the belief that she was destined for success. Thirdly, Kerina gives back. She has provided employment opportunities to many including other people living with disabilities.
The resilience, determination, and focus of women, especially those living with disabilities compliments the efforts of various government agencies and Non-governmental in providing leadership, business management, and financial literacy training. Hope Foundation for African Women, with support from the African Women Development Fund, believes in the potential of Kerina and other women living with disabilities in Kenya. The skills, knowledge, and mentorship are meant to ensure, the women believe in themselves and work towards success-just like Kerina.
Problems the Deaf Wish We Knew; Anne Mwenesi, A Sign Language Interpreter
Anne Mwenesi is a teacher by profession and sign language interpreter by passion. You can tell this by how graceful she is while interpreting during the financial literacy training of women living with disabilities. She describes herself as an intermediary between the hearing and the deaf world (hard-of-hearing, hearing-impaired, and deaf).
The Kenya National Special Needs Education survey commission reported in 2014 that 1 in every 10 people suffers from a hearing problem. This makes Kenya among the leading countries in cases of the deaf when compared to the global average of 5 out of 100 people (WHO). Also, it makes Mwenesi among the few bridging the gap for people with hearing problems in various settings-just like during the financial literacy training of PWDs.
Are the Deaf Heard?
‘The deaf have been side-lined in many aspects of society. It makes them believe that the world is not on their side. Also, it makes them feel taken for granted. This should not be the case because we are equal. If you think about it, all of us are limited in one way or another. Therefore, we need an inclusivity mindset in every person’, says Mwenesi
‘One of my clients once asked me to accompany her to a worship place; when I arrived, I took my seat to the front where she could see me interpreting. To my surprise, I was told that the only place I could sit was at the back. I was heartbroken. But, I learned, nowadays, I talk to the speaker to agree the best place to sit and interpret’, Mwenesi painfully adds.
Organizations in Kenya that support people with hearing problems
Mwenesi’s words direct to the challenges faced by people in their environment. Every person yearns for acceptance and compromise. How far are we willing to accommodate our brothers and sisters with hearing problems?
The mentioned gaps do not entirely imply that our country is not doing anything to ensure inclusivity for people with hearing problems. In fact, the work being done by the various associations for the deaf in Kenya is commendable. Through them, people with hearing disabilities have been trained on skills and impacted with knowledge hence improving their employability, success when in case they venture into entrepreneurship, and social skills.
Organizations like the Kenya National Association for the Deaf, Deaf Athletics Association, Deaf Ability Initiative and Deaf Artist Culture are doing wonderful work and it would be unfair not to mention what they do. They organize outreaches in the corporate worlds to create awareness on the inclusivity. They organize training workshops to train on business management, financial literacy, leadership, and advocacy. However, people the deaf do not exist in isolation. They exist within us, and this must be reflected in the effort we make to communicate.
Communicating with and Including PWDs need to Be Deliberate
‘Apart from the lows, I have some of the best moments in my life through interpreting. When people (with and without hearing problems) appreciate my role in connecting them, it is humbling and uplifting at the same time. We need more people who can communicate in sign language’.
Mwenesi interpreting to some participants during the financial literacy training held by HFAW
Part of the argument put forward in favor of the limited opportunities for the deaf and unwillingness to interact with them is that their form of communication is complicated. It may be-when we look at it as a skill we must master. However, sign language is a language and can be learned and used just like we do with other foreign languages we learn in schools. It is not too difficult; we find it difficult because it requires deliberate effort.
The financial literacy training supported by the African Women Development Fund, is among the deliberate effort being made by Hope Foundation for African Women to support the inclusion of Women Living with disabilities through leadership, business management, and financial literacy skills. The program is a learning platform for all of us, people living with and without disabilities, on how to be fair and empowering to each other.