Free a Girl’s World Network at the African Women Transformative Summit 2025:
Growing Bold Futures
Free a Girl’s World Network was honored to be part of the African Women Transformative Summit (AWTS) 2025, held from June 24–26 in Nairobi, Kenya. Represented by our passionate leadership CEO Evelyne Wanjiku, Head of Programs Simon Miruingi, and Project Coordinator George Ochola the summit was a powerful platform for bold ideas, inclusive innovation, and transformational leadership.
The AWTS is Africa’s biggest space for women and youth in business, entrepreneurship, and leadership. This year’s summit built on the success of 2024 and focused on key barriers faced by African women: access to finance, digital tools, markets, and scalable opportunities. The sessions emphasized knowledge-sharing, peer learning, and global partnerships to ignite growth across the continent.
One of the most powerful takeaways: G.R.O.W.
- G – Get Funded: Unlock capital through grants, investments, and financial storytelling.
- R – Reimagine with Tech: Digital transformation is a pathway to equity.
- O – Open New Markets: Embrace cross-border trade, e-commerce, and inclusive value chains.
- W – Walk in Investment Readiness: Understand pitch decks, data, and due diligence.
FGWN's CEO Evelyne and Head of Programs Simon were recognized among the top leadership trainers, having mentored and shaped countless young women in entrepreneurship. Their sessions challenged participants to build resilient businesses, embrace innovation, and never stop learning.
We are also proud to celebrate our Project Coordinator George Ochola, who received a recognition award for his sharp response during a quick-fire session a testament to the knowledge, courage, and advocacy that FGWN brings into every space.
As an organization working to empower girls and women with disabilities, our participation in AWTS 2025 is a reminder that this isn’t the end it’s a milepost. We carry the lessons and energy back to the grassroots, knowing the journey continues.
To our partners, supporters, and sisters across Africa let’s not stop here.
Let’s G.R.O.W. together. Share knowledge, invest in women, and make space for leadership that transforms lives.
Mental Health Audit Report
Date of Audit: 9th & 10th April 2025
Conducted by: Free a Girl’s World Network (FGWN) & Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)
Mental health and dignity in correctional settings – a call to action
Introduction
In fulfillment of its mandate to monitor human rights and disability inclusion, KNCHR, in partnership with Free a Girl’s World Network, carried out a comprehensive audit of mental health services in detention settings. The sites audited included Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Kapsabet Level 4 Hospital, and GK Prison Eldoret. The audit focused on access, quality of care, pathways to treatment, and reintegration strategies for individuals with mental health conditions, especially within confined environments.
1. Facility Overview & Service Delivery
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)
MTRH operated three main pathways to mental health care: psychiatric wards, prison referrals, and community-based recovery support. The facility served around 200 patients daily, offering services to both inpatients and outpatients aged 18 and above.
Other audited sites included:
- Kapsabet Level 4 Hospital – a county-level outpatient facility
- GK Prison Eldoret – a correctional setting with internal mental health initiatives
2. Admission Pathways
The audit found that individuals accessed care via multiple channels, including:
- Voluntary walk-ins
- Family and caregiver referrals
- Good Samaritans and community responders
- Referrals from courts or correctional systems
3. Exit and Reintegration
Reintegration support was provided for discharged patients. Approaches included:
- Family-based home care arrangements
- Coordination with social workers and local chiefs for isolated patients
- Repatriation efforts for untraceable or unidentified individuals
4. Disability Inclusion & Accommodation
Though no patients with physical disabilities were present at the time, the hospital staff showed understanding of various mental and psychosocial disabilities. Conditions addressed included:
- Psychiatric illnesses
- Cognitive impairments
- Psychosocial disabilities
Cases requiring high-security psychiatric care were referred to Mathare National Hospital.
5. Human Resources & Community Support
MTRH was staffed with:
- 6 Psychiatrists (MTRH)
- 2 Partner Psychiatrists (Moi University)
Additionally, Community Health Promoters helped form support groups for persons with disabilities (PWDs), enhancing reintegration and home-based care models.
International Deaf Awareness Week (IDAW) Report – 2024
Theme: Stand up for Sign Language Rights
Date: 16th–21st September 2024 | Location: Kuja Special Schools, Rongo Sub-County, Migori County
Celebrating sign language rights and Deaf empowerment at Kuja Special Schools
Executive Summary
The 2024 International Deaf Awareness Week was hosted by Free a Girl’s World Network in collaboration with over 21 partners including government and civil society. The event’s central message emphasized the need to recognize sign language as a fundamental right for the Deaf community.
Held at Kuja Special Primary and Secondary Schools, the event reached over 750 people, including students, community members, and elderly persons living with disabilities. It featured medical screenings, mentorship, digital training, sign language education, and a grand public procession in Rongo Town.
Opening Ceremony
The event was officially opened on 16th September at Kuja Special Primary School. Over 4,000 trees were donated by the Kenya Forestry Department and planted by guests and students as a symbol of growth and hope. Students performed the poem “Today I’m Determined” and showcased traditional dances to celebrate ability beyond disability.
Notably, alumni from Kuja School dating back to the 1960s returned to reflect on the school’s legacy. Despite challenges like poor infrastructure and lack of teaching resources, Kuja continues to produce Deaf professionals who lead in law, medicine, and education.
Key Highlights
- Sign language training was provided for Deaf and hearing individuals
- Sanitary pad and book donations were made to Kuja schools
- Community members accessed physiotherapy, audiology, and counseling services
- Ajira Digital trained 30 persons with disabilities on online entrepreneurship
- Rongo University Writers Club mentored Deaf students in storytelling and media skills
Quote of the Week:
“Together keep pushing forward to ensure that every person regardless of her ability is given an opportunity to live, learn, and lead.” – Evelyne Ndungu
Migori County Youth Development Policy 2025
20th June 2025 – Free a Girl’s World Network (FGWN) participates in youth-focused policy action
Stakeholders convene to shape the future of youth engagement in Migori County.
On 20th June 2025, Free a Girl’s World Network (FGWN) joined other stakeholders as part of the Migori County Youth Technical Working Group in a public participation forum focused on the Migori County Youth Development Policy 2025.
The policy is set to serve as a vital framework for accelerating meaningful youth participation, engagement, and empowerment across the county. It aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment for the youth to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the county's socio-economic development.
This initiative is spearheaded by the Migori County Department of Education, Gender, and Youth Affairs, reaffirming the county’s commitment to placing young people at the center of its development agenda.
Once enacted, the policy is expected to spur long-term transformation by providing young people with opportunities in leadership, education, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and civic engagement—making them active architects of Migori's future.