Nanyuki, Laikipia County, Kenya

Our work · 03

Women’s Leadership & Governance

Supporting grassroots women to take their place in the decisions that shape their families, groups and communities.

Illustration of five figures standing in a circle around a golden centre, representing collective leadership.

Context

Why this matters in Laikipia

Women hold communities together in Laikipia, yet they are often under-represented where decisions are made — from local committees to county processes.

Kenya’s Constitution sets out the principle that no more than two-thirds of members of elective or appointive public bodies should be of the same gender, and it makes public participation a core part of county governance. Turning those principles into everyday reality depends on women having the confidence, information and support to take part.

Grassroots leadership starts close to home: running a group well, speaking up at a community meeting, or representing neighbours on a local committee.

Activities

What the work involves

The kinds of activities this area of work focuses on. Details vary by community and season.

Leadership and confidence building

Sessions that help women develop public speaking, organising and group leadership skills.

Strengthening women’s groups

Supporting groups to organise, set goals and run themselves transparently.

Understanding public participation

Sharing practical information on how women can take part in local and county decision-making.

Mentorship and networks

Connecting emerging women leaders with more experienced leaders and wider grassroots networks.

Audience

Who it is for

  • Grassroots women and women’s groups
  • Young women stepping into leadership
  • Local leaders, institutions and partners committed to inclusive governance

Implementation

How we work

  1. Leadership as practice

    Women build leadership by doing it — in their groups and communities.

  2. Collective strength

    Groups and networks give individual women a stronger voice.

  3. Information is power

    Knowing how decisions are made is the first step to influencing them.

  4. Non-partisan

    We support participation, not any political party or candidate.

Evidence & outcomes

What we measure

Verified results pending

Results will be published once verified

We do not publish figures until they have been checked. As evidence becomes available, this section will report on:

  • Women taking part in leadership activities
  • Women taking on roles in groups, committees or public processes
  • Women’s groups reporting stronger organisation and governance
  • Women’s own accounts of confidence and influence

FAQs

Common questions

Is LAWODA politically affiliated?

No. Our leadership work supports women’s participation in public life. We do not campaign for or endorse any political party or candidate.

Who can take part in leadership activities?

Our focus is grassroots women in Laikipia. Please contact us to find out about current activities.

Do you work with girls?

Our work includes women’s and girls’ empowerment. Any activity involving children follows strict safeguarding practices, including parental consent and supervision.

How can partners support women’s leadership?

Partners can support through training expertise, mentorship, research or funding. Use the Partner With Us form to start a conversation.

Back grassroots women leaders

Partner with us to strengthen women’s voice and leadership across Laikipia.