Inua Dada Mashinani

Globally, the empowerment of women and girls is a critical issue. According to the United Nations, gender inequality remains deeply entrenched in many parts of the world, affecting women and girls' access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political representation. It's estimated that 132 million girls globally are out of school, and women continue to face disparities in income, job opportunities, and leadership roles. Globally, studies have shown that achieving gender equality and women's empowerment could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025. This highlights the economic potential of empowering women and girls on a larger scale.

In Marsabit, a remote county in Kenya, majority of women and girls face multiple obstacles that hinder their holistic well-being and inhibit their ability to contribute fully to their communities. These challenges include limited access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and a lack of decision-making power within their households and society. This results in an array of negative outcomes, including high maternal mortality rates, limited economic prospects, and restricted participation in community development.

Local statistics in Marsabit show that the maternal mortality rate is unacceptably high, with many women lacking access to essential reproductive health services. The female literacy rate is lower than the male literacy rate, limiting women's opportunities for personal and economic growth. Gender-based violence is also prevalent, undermining women's safety and well-being.

Our solution is an empowerment program for women and girls in Marsabit, Kenya, and it tackles the global issue of gender inequality. In simple terms, it's like giving women and girls the tools they need to make their lives better and help their communities thrive. Here's how it works:

Education and Training: We provide girls and women with access to education and skills training. This means helping them learn and acquire new abilities, such as job skills, financial literacy, and healthcare knowledge.

Healthcare Access: We make sure women and girls can access essential healthcare services. This includes maternal health care, family planning, and general healthcare to keep them and their families healthy.

Gender Equality: We promote the idea that men and women should be treated equally. We encourage girls and women to have a voice in their households and communities, participate in decision-making, and stand up against gender-based violence.

We use simple technology to support these efforts, such as mobile phones for educational content, community health workers who provide basic healthcare services, and awareness campaigns through radio and community meetings. By providing these resources and knowledge, we empower women and girls to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, and in doing so, uplift their entire communities.

Our target population consists of women and girls in the Marsabit region of Kenya, a remote and underserved community. They are currently underserved in several ways:

Limited Educational Opportunities: Many girls in Marsabit have limited access to quality education. Gender biases and traditional norms often restrict their schooling, which results in lower literacy rates and fewer opportunities for personal and economic development.

Inadequate Healthcare Access: Maternal mortality rates are high due to limited access to maternal health care and family planning services. Additionally, basic healthcare services are often lacking, leaving women and girls vulnerable to preventable illnesses.

Gender Inequality: Women and girls in this region often face discrimination and a lack of decision-making power within their households and communities. This gender inequality limits their ability to shape their lives and participate in community development.

Our solution directly addresses these needs by:

Education and Training: We provide educational opportunities and skills training to girls and women. This empowers them with knowledge and skills to access better job opportunities and improve their overall quality of life.

Healthcare Access: We ensure that women and girls have access to essential healthcare services, including maternal health care and family planning. This improves their health and reduces maternal mortality.

Gender Equality Promotion: Through our programs, we encourage and enable women and girls to participate actively in decision-making processes and advocate for their rights. We work to change traditional norms and attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality.

By addressing these critical needs, our solution aims to empower women and girls in Marsabit. As a result, they can lead healthier lives, pursue educational and economic opportunities, and become active contributors to their communities' well-being, breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.

Inua Dada Mashinani (IDM) is more than just an organization to me; it's a passion and a commitment. We are a group of young women and men dedicated to advocating for the rights of girls and women in Marsabit County, Kenya.

Our work is rooted in the belief that by empowering women and girls, we can bring about lasting change.

Eradicating Harmful Cultural Practices: In Marsabit, we're on a mission to eradicate harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early/forced marriages. These practices have long-lasting physical and psychological consequences, and it's our duty to put an end to them.

Education Access: We're passionate about education. We believe it's a powerful tool for empowerment, so we're working to ensure that marginalized girls in our community have better access to quality education. We're rewriting the narrative, showing everyone just how capable these girls and women are.

Peace Initiatives: In a region with its share of conflicts, we serve as bridges between warring communities. We utilize the power of girls, women, and youth to promote peace. Events and mentorship programs are our tools for fostering harmony and understanding.

Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR): Access to healthcare is fundamental, and we advocate for better access to services, including contraception and safe abortion. Applying a gender lens to healthcare systems is essential to ensure girls and women receive the support they need.

Women Leadership and Governance: We want to see more women in leadership roles. We're advocating for equitable representation, and we're setting positive examples for our community. We're breaking the glass ceiling and demonstrating the immense benefits of women in leadership.

Our strength lies in our close connection to the community we serve. We are youth and women who have walked the same paths, faced the same challenges, and share the same dreams as the girls and women we seek to empower. This proximity allows us to understand their unique needs intimately.

Our approach is community-centric through and through:

Community Engagement: We don't sit behind closed doors. We actively engage with our community to understand their needs and challenges. Sensitization programs, awareness campaigns, and open dialogues are our channels for gathering input and ideas.

Cultural Sensitivity: We respect the cultural traditions that make our communities unique. Our aim is to raise awareness about harmful practices without alienating or disrespecting these traditions.

Youth and Women-Led Initiatives: Our lived experiences give us an edge in connecting with our community. We are relatable, and that helps us engage more effectively with our target population.

Collaboration and Cooperation: We know that together, we are stronger. We foster cooperation among various stakeholders, including government agencies. This collaborative approach creates a holistic and comprehensive solution to address gender-based violence and women's empowerment.

Our solutions aren't imposed; they're born from the community's input, ideas, and agendas. We walk hand in hand with the people we serve to create positive change and make a meaningful impact in the lives of girls and women in Marsabit County. 

2000 Men, women and children

Our approach to addressing the challenges faced by women and girls in Marsabit County is innovative and built on a foundation of community engagement and empowerment. What sets our solution apart is the holistic approach we take and the synergy of various programs working together to catalyze broader positive impacts.

Holistic Empowerment: Our solution combines multiple components, including education access, eradication of harmful cultural practices, promoting women's leadership, and enhancing sexual reproductive health rights. This holistic approach recognizes that true empowerment goes beyond addressing a single issue. We tackle root causes and interrelated challenges simultaneously.

Community-Centric Engagement: IDM believes in working closely with the community. We actively engage with community members to understand their needs and challenges. This direct involvement ensures that our solutions are tailored to the specific context of Marsabit County.

Women and Youth Leadership: We are youth and women-led, which means we have a deep understanding of the issues faced by girls and women in our community. This proximity enables us to connect effectively and inspire change from within.

Cultural Sensitivity: While advocating for change, we are respectful of cultural traditions. This approach helps us build bridges rather than barriers when addressing issues like FGM. We aim to raise awareness without alienating or disrespecting the local culture.

Collaboration and Cooperation: We foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and other organizations. This collective approach ensures that we create a comprehensive solution that addresses the needs of girls and women comprehensively.

In terms of technology, we leverage it primarily for education and awareness. For instance, we use mobile phones to deliver educational content to girls and women, making information more accessible. This innovative use of technology allows us to reach a wider audience in a cost-effective way.

Our innovative approach can catalyze broader positive impacts from others in this space by serving as a model for comprehensive community engagement and empowerment. It demonstrates that by working closely with the community and adopting a holistic approach, meaningful change can be achieved. Other organizations and initiatives can learn from our experience and adapt their strategies to better address the multifaceted challenges faced by women and girls in different regions.

While we are not introducing a new technology or business model, we are harnessing existing technologies and community-driven approaches in innovative ways. By combining these elements, we are changing the market for gender empowerment and women's rights. We are showing that, with the right strategy and strong community involvement, it is possible to create sustainable change for women and girls in underserved regions.

In summary, our innovative approach leverages community engagement, cultural sensitivity, and technology to create a holistic solution for empowering women and girls in Marsabit County. This approach can inspire positive change within our community and serve as a model for others in the field, ultimately contributing to broader and more comprehensive efforts to uplift women and girls globally.

Our impact goals are driven by our commitment to creating a transformational change in the lives of girls and women in Marsabit County and beyond. We focus on several key areas aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve this transformational impact:

1. Eradicating Harmful Cultural Practices:

• Impact Goal: To eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early/forced marriages in Marsabit County.
• How: We conduct awareness campaigns, community dialogues, and advocate for legal enforcement to end FGM and early marriages. Our success will be measured by a significant reduction in these practices and the well-being of girls and women.

2. Education Access:

• Impact Goal: To ensure that all marginalized girls in Marsabit County have access to quality education.
• How: We provide scholarships, improve school infrastructure, and implement mentorship programs. Our success will be measured by increased enrollment and retention of girls in schools.

3. Women's Empowerment:

• Impact Goal: To empower women in Marsabit County to become leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers.
• How: We offer entrepreneurship training, leadership development programs, and advocacy for women's representation in governance. Our success will be measured by increased women in leadership positions and women-owned businesses.

4. Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR):

• Impact Goal: To improve access to healthcare services and information related to sexual and reproductive health for women and girls.
• How: We advocate for better healthcare services, provide SRHR education, and promote gender-sensitive healthcare systems. Our success will be measured by increased access to SRHR services and knowledge.

5. Gender Equality and Peace:

• Impact Goal: To foster peace and gender equality by utilizing girls, women, and youth as peace agents in Marsabit County.
• How: We organize peace initiatives, mentorships, and awareness programs. Our success will be measured by increased peace and reduced conflicts in the region.

6. Policy and Advocacy:

• Impact Goal: To influence policy changes and advocate for laws and regulations that protect and promote women's and girls' rights.
• How: We engage with policymakers, conduct advocacy campaigns, and collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Our success will be measured by policy changes that protect women's and girls' rights.

Our plan to achieve these impact goals involves continued community engagement, strategic partnerships, and advocacy efforts. We aim to measure our success through a combination of quantitative data, such as reduced FGM rates, increased school enrollments, and improved healthcare access, and qualitative indicators, like women's increased participation in leadership roles and their overall well-being. Our ultimate vision is to create a society where women and girls can fully enjoy their human rights and reach their full potential.

Our theory of change is straightforward but powerful:

Activities:

• Education and Skills Training: We provide educational opportunities and skills training to marginalized girls and women in Marsabit County.
• Awareness Campaigns: We conduct awareness campaigns to promote gender equality, eradicate harmful cultural practices, and raise awareness about sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR).
• Community Engagement: We actively engage with the community, holding dialogues and working collaboratively to address issues.

Immediate Outputs:

• Empowered Women and Girls: Our activities result in women and girls who are more educated, skilled, and informed about their rights and health.
• Cultural Shift: We aim to shift cultural norms and practices, leading to a reduction in harmful practices like FGM and early marriages.
• Increased Community Awareness: Our community engagement efforts create greater awareness about the importance of gender equality and women's rights.

Longer-Term Outcomes:

• Increased Women's Leadership: As girls and women become more empowered and educated, they will be better equipped to take on leadership roles, both in their households and in the broader community.
• Improved Health and Well-being: Increased awareness and access to healthcare services will result in better sexual and reproductive health outcomes for women and girls.
• Peace and Gender Equality: By empowering girls, women, and youth as peace agents, we anticipate a reduction in conflicts and an increase in gender equality.

We believe that by providing education, skills, and awareness, we can empower women and girls, leading to greater gender equality and well-being. As women take on leadership roles and contribute to their communities, the entire region benefits from their knowledge and experience. By eradicating harmful practices and improving access to healthcare, we aim to improve the health and safety of women and girls, which in turn contributes to overall community well-being. Our community engagement efforts aim to create lasting change and make our region a more equitable and peaceful place for everyone. This theory of change is rooted in our commitment to uplifting women and girls as a means to uplift our entire community.

We have Four full time staff and one part-time staff.

Since 2019, about 5years

At IDM, diversity, equity, and inclusivity are at the core of our work and organizational values. We are committed to creating an environment that is reflective of the diverse communities we serve and to ensuring that our programs benefit everyone, regardless of their race, tribe, or gender.

Our leadership team embodies this commitment to diversity. We have deliberately assembled a team that is representative of the diverse cultural and gender backgrounds found in Marsabit County. This inclusivity in leadership is not just a matter of representation; it's about understanding and empathizing with the unique needs and challenges faced by different groups.

Our team's goals for becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive include:

1. Community Engagement: We actively engage with the diverse communities in Marsabit to ensure that our programs are culturally sensitive and relevant.

2. Education and Awareness: We conduct awareness campaigns and training that address the specific challenges faced by different groups within our community.

3. Mentorship and Role Models: We believe in the power of having role models from various backgrounds. Our mentorship program features diverse leaders who inspire and guide young girls from different communities.

4. Advocacy for Gender and Social Equality: We advocate for gender and social equality to address disparities and systemic barriers that have affected marginalized groups.

Our actions to achieve these goals include tailoring our programs to the unique needs of diverse communities, collaborating with local leaders, and actively seeking input from community members. By creating an inclusive and equitable environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported, and valued, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of all girls and women in Marsabit County.

Our organization, Inua Dada Mashinani (IDM), primarily operates as a nonprofit focused on advocacy and community empowerment. Our business model revolves around providing value to the populations we serve in terms of social impact, rather than revenue generation.

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:

1. Marginalized Girls and Women: These are the primary beneficiaries of our programs. We provide them with educational opportunities, awareness campaigns, Dignity kits, mentorship, and advocacy for their rights.

Products and Services:

1. Education Access: We offer scholarships, school infrastructure improvement, and mentorship programs to marginalized girls, ensuring they have access to quality education.

2. Awareness Campaigns: We conduct awareness campaigns on gender equality, harmful cultural practices, and sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) to inform and empower girls and women.

3. Community Engagement: Our engagement with the community includes dialogue sessions, events, and advocacy to address gender disparities and advocate for policy changes.

4. Dignity Kits: These are essential especially for girls who are school going to avoid truancy and dropping out. Most families cannot afford these essential items and we are partnering with local manufactures who use locally sourced materials to manufacture dignity kits which are more cheaper and accesible.

How We Provide Products and Services:

• We engage with local schools and educational institutions to provide scholarships and educational support.
• Our awareness campaigns involve workshops, community events, and distribution of informative materials.
• Community engagement is facilitated through open dialogues and partnerships with local leaders, government agencies, and NGOs.

Why They Want or Need Our Products and Services:

• Marginalized girls and women want access to quality education to improve their life prospects and contribute to their communities.
• Our awareness campaigns address issues that directly affect their well-being and safety.
• Community engagement provides a platform for people to voice their concerns and take part in decision-making processes for positive change.

Our business model is rooted in creating social impact and promoting the well-being and empowerment of marginalized girls and women. While we do not generate revenue, our "currency" is the positive transformation of the lives of those we serve and the community as a whole.

Our organization, Inua Dada Mashinani (IDM), operates primarily as a nonprofit, and our mission is centered on social impact. While our primary focus is not revenue generation, we recognize the importance of financial sustainability to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of our programs. Our plan for financial sustainability includes a combination of revenue streams:

1. Donations and Grants: IDM will continue to seek and secure donations and grants from various sources, including philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and individuals who align with our mission. These funds will be used to cover program costs, operational expenses, and community initiatives.

2. Fundraising Events: We will organize fundraising events and campaigns to engage with our supporters and raise funds for specific projects or initiatives. These events can include charity runs, gala dinners, and online crowdfunding campaigns.

3. Corporate Partnerships: We will explore partnerships with corporations and businesses that are interested in supporting our cause. This can include sponsorships, employee engagement programs, and cause-related marketing.

4. Social Enterprises: While our core mission is social impact, we may explore social enterprises or revenue-generating projects that align with our values. For example, we could establish training programs or workshops that generate revenue while also providing skills to the community.

5. Service Contracts: In some cases, we may enter into service contracts with government agencies or other organizations that require our expertise in areas such as education, awareness campaigns, or community engagement. These contracts can provide financial support for our programs.

6. Investment and Endowment Funds: In the long term, we may explore the establishment of an endowment fund or seek impact investment capital to generate sustainable income to support our programs.

Our goal is to ensure that these revenue streams cover our expected expenses, allowing us to continue our work effectively and make a lasting impact on the lives of marginalized girls and women in Marsabit County. While financial sustainability is essential, our primary focus remains on achieving our mission of social empowerment and positive change.