Feminist Initiative Launches Community Listening Series in Kibera
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Feminist Initiative Launches Community Listening Series in Kibera
A grassroots feminist initiative convened 40 adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 25 in Kibera on March 6 to launch the 2026 Community Listening Podcast Series under the programme “Passing the Baton Phase 3.”
Held on the eve of International Women’s Day, the half day event brought together young women, mentors, and feminist leaders under the theme “Give To Gain. Listening, Learning, and Leading Across Generations.”
The session created a platform for feminist storytelling, grassroots political education, and leadership development.
Listening and Reflection
Participants listened to selected episodes from Passing the Baton Season 1, a podcast documenting the leadership journeys of seasoned feminists.
Guided discussions allowed participants to connect the stories to real challenges affecting women and girls in their communities.
At the heart of the programme is the leadership concept of “Passing the Baton,” which emphasizes the intentional transfer of knowledge, mentorship, and opportunity between generations.
Organizers noted that sustainable leadership in communities and institutions depends on preparing the next generation to continue the work.
Key Issues Raised
Two podcast episodes guided the day’s discussions.
One session explored violence against women, focusing on the growing threat of technology facilitated gender based violence, including the non consensual sharing of intimate images online.
Participants discussed the risks young women face in digital spaces and the need for stronger awareness, legal protection, and accountability.
Another discussion focused on women and financial independence. Participants highlighted the importance of economic empowerment in enabling women to take part in leadership and decision making.
Young women also reflected on the economic realities in informal settlements and how financial independence can expand opportunities.
Mentorship and Leadership
The event also introduced the Trio Tier Mentorship Programme, which connects experienced feminist leaders, mid career professionals, and emerging young leaders.
Brenda Kalekye, Board Member at Polycom Girls, said investing in young women strengthens communities.
“Passing the baton means believing in the next generation. Leadership is about preparing others to continue the journey.”
Taking Knowledge to Communities
Aphline Yogo, Programme Officer at Polycom Girls, said the listening series aims to bring feminist knowledge directly to communities.
“Many powerful stories exist in books or conferences. We want communities to listen together, reflect together, and connect these experiences to their own lives.”
She explained that earlier phases of the programme involved dialogues with feminist leaders and later digital documentation of their stories through video and podcasts.
Feminist Initiative Launches Community Listening Series in Kibera
Civic Awareness and Legal Protection
Mentor Sumba Njeri encouraged young women to participate in civic processes and understand governance systems that affect daily life.
Participants also discussed legal protections against digital abuse in Kenya under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, which criminalizes the non consensual distribution of intimate images.
The session engaged 40 young women in leadership dialogue, while 15 to 20 participants expressed interest in ongoing mentorship opportunities.
Discussions also raised awareness on economic empowerment, civic participation, and digital safety.
