KNIT HER FUTURE
GOAL
To break the cycle of exploitation and empower adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Kisumu's fishing communities, ensuring no young woman is forced to exchange her dignity for survival.
On the shores of Lake Victoria, a tragic cycle continues to trap young women in the fish-for-sex trade known as "jaboya," where AGYW are forced to exchange sexual favors for access to quality fish. In Kisumu's beach communities, with poverty rates exceeding 45%, thousands of young women like Achieng' face this devastating reality. The African Population and Health Research Center reports that nearly 30% of young women in these regions have engaged in transactional sex as a survival strategy, often due to lack of economic opportunities and limited access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
HEDSO's "Knit Her Future" initiative was created to break this cycle through three key approaches: economic empowerment by offering skills training and alternative livelihoods for AGYW; comprehensive SRH education providing young women with knowledge to make informed decisions about their bodies and health; and holistic support including menstrual hygiene products and mental health care. The Population Council found that over 40% of AGYW in Kisumu's beach communities lack proper SRH education, leaving them unaware of their rights and long-term consequences of their choices.
This initiative addresses the systemic challenges faced by AGYW in fishing communities, where the World Health Organization reports that nearly half of all women have experienced some form of gender-based violence. Through community walks, fundraising events, and partnerships with local stakeholders, we provide the resources AGYW need to thrive free from exploitation and abuse creating lasting change and giving them the opportunity to knit their future with dignity, confidence, and hope.
BYTES OF CHANGE
GOAL
To empower women and persons with disabilities in Busia County with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate the digital world safely, while providing accessible reporting mechanisms for cybercrime incidents.
Founded in 2025, Bytes of Change was born from a critical observation: vulnerable communities, particularly women and persons with disabilities in rural Kenya, were being disproportionately targeted by online scammers and cybercriminals. Busia County, located on the Kenya-Uganda border with a population of 893,681, presents unique challenges with its strategic location driving high cross-border digital transactions, rapid increase in mobile money and internet usage, and high concentration of vulnerable populations facing accessibility barriers and digital exploitation.
Our project addresses unique vulnerabilities faced by these communities: women in rural Kenya experience limited access to digital literacy programs, are targeted by romance and investment scams, face economic pressures making them susceptible to fraud, and suffer from social isolation and gender-based online harassment. Persons with disabilities face accessibility barriers in digital platforms, are targeted by scammers exploiting their disabilities, have limited access to mainstream cybersecurity resources, depend on caregivers for digital activities, and experience increased online dependency due to social isolation.
Through women-led training sessions creating safe spaces for learning and reporting, fully accessible training materials with assistive technology integration, caregiver education programs, and disability-specific safety protocols, we've trained 40 trainers of trainers (TOT), documented 13 cybercrime incidents, and reached 2 communities. Working in partnership with Busia County Government, KE-CIRT/NCERT for cybersecurity incident response, disability organizations, and educational institutions, we are creating a digitally inclusive society where every person can participate safely and confidently in online activities without fear of exploitation or harm.
TRASH TO TREASURE
GOAL
To minimize the negative impacts of plastic and paper waste on human health and environment through youth-led circular economy initiatives.
Paper and plastic waste management are crucial components of modern environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts. As societies have evolved and consumption patterns have changed, the generation of paper and plastic waste has risen to alarming levels, leading to significant environmental challenges. Effective waste management strategies are essential to mitigate the negative impacts of these materials on ecosystems, human health, and the planet as a whole.
Trash to Treasure project aims to engage AGYW and youth on repurposing plastic and paper wastes into valuable items such as gift bags, flower vases, decorative items, and eco-friendly products. This is carried out by holding capacity building sessions with AGYW and youth at their various spaces schools, community centers, youth groups, and vocational training centers. Through hands-on workshops, participants learn upcycling techniques, entrepreneurial skills for selling recycled products, and environmental conservation principles.
The project creates dual impact: environmental benefits through waste reduction and pollution prevention, and economic opportunities for marginalized youth who can generate income from recycled products. By transforming waste into treasure, we are building a generation of environmental champions who understand the value of circular economy principles, contribute to cleaner communities, and develop sustainable livelihood skills that promote both ecological health and economic self-reliance.
RESCUE DADA
GOAL
Building a safe and resilient community free from any violence and abuse against adolescent girls and young women in learning institutions.
In today's rapidly evolving world, addressing the challenges faced by adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) is of paramount importance. The intersection of new HIV infections, teenage pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) within learning institutions presents a complex and urgent issue. The "Rescue Dada" initiative is a comprehensive approach aimed at tackling these triple threats head-on within school environments where young women should feel safest.
The Rescue Dada initiative is grounded in the recognition that the wellbeing of AGYW is fundamental to the overall health and progress of communities. By addressing the interconnected issues of new HIV infections, teenage pregnancy, and SGBV, this initiative aims to break the cycle of vulnerability and contribute to healthier and more resilient communities. By creating a safe and supportive environment within learning institutions, AGYW can access the education, information, and services they need to thrive.
Our approach focuses on school mentorship sessions in primary, secondary, and colleges where we provide age-appropriate health talks on SRHR, consent, healthy relationships, and reporting mechanisms for violence. We have formed active health clubs in these schools where we train peer educators who are guided with a comprehensive curriculum on SGBV prevention, HIV awareness, and reproductive health. Through establishing safe spaces, strengthening reporting mechanisms, and building networks of trained teachers and students as champions, Rescue Dada is transforming learning institutions into protective environments where every girl can pursue her education with dignity and safety.
TUPIGANE NA UFISADI (TUNU) PROJECT
GOAL
To promote integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership among students and youth, nurturing responsible leaders who will drive transparency, good governance, and positive social change in Kenya.
Corruption remains one of the most significant barriers to development in Kenya, undermining public trust, diverting resources from essential services, and perpetuating inequality. The Tupigane na Ufisadi (TUNU) Project which translates to "Let's Fight Corruption" recognizes that lasting change begins with empowering young people to become agents of integrity and accountability. By targeting students and youth in educational institutions and community spaces, TUNU is building a generation of leaders who reject corrupt practices and champion transparency.
Our approach centers on enhancing collaboration among educational institutions, youth organizations, government agencies, and civil society to create a unified front against corruption. Through interactive workshops, leadership training, and civic education programs, we equip young people with knowledge about anti-corruption frameworks, their rights as citizens, and practical tools for demanding accountability from leaders. We facilitate dialogues between youth and duty bearers, creating platforms where young voices can influence policy and hold institutions accountable.
The TUNU Project goes beyond awareness-raising to cultivate ethical leadership skills, critical thinking about governance issues, and practical advocacy capabilities. We establish anti-corruption clubs in schools and universities, train youth monitors to track public service delivery, and support student-led campaigns promoting integrity in their communities. This partnership-driven initiative underscores our shared vision of nurturing responsible leaders who understand that good governance, transparency, and social justice are not just ideals but achievable realities they have the power to create through collective action and unwavering commitment to integrity.