Friends, Partners and Allies,
As I reflect on Akili Dada’s journey through 2023, one truth resonates profoundly: resilience is our superpower. In a world fraught with challenges, our community of girls and young women leaders hasn't just endured they have actively led with purpose and vision—they have reimagined what's possible. These extraordinary change-makers have turned obstacles into stepping stones, channeling adversity into a force for revolutionary change with unwavering determination and visionary courage.
This annual report doesn't just document our collective achievements—it celebrates triumph against overwhelming odds and spurs us on as the world grows more difficult to navigate. In it we share the birth of movements such as the We for She Movement, where passionate young women transformed personal conviction into a powerful national advocacy platform, meaningfully contributing to critical policy discourse on gender-based violence and femicide. And witness the extraordinary transformation led by visionaries like Mvera Kazungu, who strategically evolved their organizations from reactive crisis management to proactive change agents with lasting impact. Throughout these pages, you'll find powerful testimony that truly resilient leadership transcends mere survival—it channels adversity into a catalytic force that reimagines and rebuilds communities from the ground up.
2023 was equally a year of significant institutional growth and profound transformation. We expanded our board from 5 to 9 members, welcoming incredible women leaders from across sectors who bring diverse expertise and renewed vision to our work. Despite navigating shrinking funding landscapes, our team demonstrated remarkable resilience—with several staff members stepping into expanded roles that deepened our programmatic impact. This period of growth was not without its challenges, as we collectively mourned the loss of Claire Manthosi, an African feminist icon and beloved board member whose legacy continues to inspire our work. Through both celebration and grief, our organizational resilience has only strengthened, enhancing our capacity to nurture young women leaders across Kenya and East Africa even in uncertain times.
None of this transformation would be possible without you—our steadfast champions and visionaries who have walked alongside us, believing fiercely in a world where African women leaders stand at the helm of change across all sectors. Your unwavering commitment has been the bedrock of our revolution. By trusting us to center the voices society pushes to the margins and investing boldly in grassroots feminist organizing, you haven't merely funded programs—you've ignited movements that will cascade through generations, transforming landscapes of power and possibility for decades to come. As we forge ahead into 2025, we invite you to deepen your commitment to this vital work.
Here's how you can support us:
Become a sustaining partner with recurring financial support that allows us to plan boldly for the future
Amplify our work by sharing these stories of transformation within your networks
Connect us with resources, platforms, and allies who can help scale our impact
Visit our programs and witness firsthand the power of feminist leadership in action
In times when challenges facing our communities seem insurmountable, I remain profoundly hopeful. I have witnessed what becomes possible when young women are resourced, trusted, and equipped to lead—nothing less than the transformation of our world.
Join us in building this future, today.
With fierce hope and in solidarity, Joy Zawadi
Executive Director, Akili Dada.
How we work
29 girls transitioned to formal education from the Manyatta Homeschooling centres despite cultural and economic barriers
2 new schools joined our network of partner schools through which we award scholarships
30 new scholars onboarded across Kilifi, Kwale, Turkana, and Samburu counties
25 scholars transitioned from high school to university and TVET programs 90+ alumnae participated in regional bootcamps focused on career readiness and economic empowerment
446 adolescent girls from 17 African countries participated in the Wasichana Wa Afrika Summit
26 educators trained to lead SRHR and anti-GBV initiatives in their schools
19 community-based advocates trained in girl-centred SRHR and reproductive justice
145 young women underwent feminist leadership training through 8 regional institutes
