Roots of Change: Kenya’s New Sparks in Women’s Empowerment

Across Kenya, powerful stories are emerging that highlight resilience and transformation. These stories mirror the mission of Rise to Shine Education Foundation, which continues to advocate for the rights and dignity of women and girls.

In Narok and Kajiado, Maasai girls are learning self-defense as part of a broader campaign to protect themselves from sexual abuse and early marriage. What began as a local training

program has grown into a movement that teaches confidence, courage, and solidarity among victims of sexual abuse. The girls are not only acquiring skills to protect themselves physically, but also building the confidence to say no to harmful practices that compromise their future. Their voices are becoming stronger, and their determination to remain in school is inspiring entire communities.

In other parts of Kenya, survivor-led initiatives are reshaping conversations about Female

Genital Mutilation. Women who once endured the practice are now leading community healing sessions and using art and storytelling to address its lasting trauma. These efforts are sparking dialogue in villages where silence once prevailed.

In the arid regions where tradition often overshadows opportunity, survivor-led art is becoming a beacon. A woman from Isiolo is using creative expression to depict the lasting emotional scars of female genital mutilation and invite local healing. Through community support groups and mental health programs, she and many others are turning trauma into shared strength and motivation to fight this vice.

These developments, from self-defense classes in Maasai communities to elders rejecting

outdated practices, show that empowerment is growing from the ground up. They remind us that real change begins when communities choose courage over silence. At RTSEF, we are inspired by these stories as we continue building safe spaces, mentorship programs, and educational opportunities that place the dignity of girls and women at the center of progress.