The closing gala of the 5th Inter-Religious Convention held in Machakos in September 2025 by the Faith to Action Network was a moment of recognition and reflection. It celebrated faith leaders, youth advocates, and organisations working to advance gender justice and inclusion across the world.
Among those recognised were three young women from the YW4A movement, Saady Mwajuma, Harriet Robi, and Regina Gati, for their community leadership in Kenya. Each has gone on to establish a local organisation:
- Mwanamke Nyota Organisation (Saady Mwajuma)
- Muungano Girls and Women Beyond (Harriet Robi)
- Bukuria Central West Youths Organisation (Regina Gati)
Their work shows what sustainability looks like in practice, as young women who once joined YW4A as participants are now leading their own initiatives, creating safe spaces, and influencing change in their communities.
Through the YW4A initiative, young women strengthen their leadership journey step by step. They take part in RiseUp! leadership training, engage in FEMspaces where they exchange experiences, and use advocacy tools that help them link their community actions to policy change. They also learn about power dynamics, rights, and accountability, practical knowledge that turns confidence into impact.
These approaches have created a ripple effect in Kenya, Egypt, Palestine, and South Sudan. Young women are now leading advocacy on gender-based violence, pushing for safer reporting systems, and building partnerships with faith and community leaders who share their vision of equality.
This journey has meant more than skills for Saady, Harriet, and Regina. It has been about finding their voice, using it purposefully, and building others up.
Reflecting on the moment, Dolphine Kwamboka, YW4A Technical Programme Manager for East Africa at the World YWCA, said:
“As I left Machakos, my heart was full. The conference reminded me that faith can heal and unite when guided by love, compassion, and courage. It reaffirmed my belief that even small acts, conversations, and courage to challenge norms can ignite powerful transformation. When faith meets love, change becomes not just possible, but inevitable.”
The awards reflected substance, not symbolism. They showed young women leading with faith and determination, driving tangible change in their communities.
