The PONA Initiative

13/06/2025

As The PONA Initiative, we were honored to be part of the Hamasisha Dada project implemented by Akili Dada in partnership with ForumCiv —a timely and transformative space for young women leaders across the coastal region.

We proudly participated in the SGBV Legal and Policy Framework Sensitization Meeting held in Mombasa County, where we had the opportunity to deepen our understanding and amplify our voice in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The forum offered us a powerful platform to learn, reflect, and advocate for inclusive and survivor-centered SGBV policies. Through eye-opening sessions on Community Buy-in Legal Frameworks on SGBV in Kenya, we gained critical insights into how legal and policy tools shape the national and county-level response to GBV. This knowledge has strengthened our resolve to champion transformative advocacy within our community.
The meeting objectives were:
✅ To understand the legal frameworks governing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Kenya.
✅ To increase platforms for young women advocates to engage directly with County leadership on issues of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
✅ To equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively prevent, respond to, and advocate against SGBV—while promoting access to justice and protection for survivors.

We believe that lasting change begins with empowered, informed voices working together for justice and dignity. Let's keep building collective action and synergy across the region.
Kudos to Akili Dada and ForumCiv for leading such impactful and inclusive advocacy spaces!

10/06/2025

The PONA Initiative was among 30 influential community gatekeepers who participated in a full-day engagement in Kilifi County, held under the SheRise Project by Hamasisha Dada, a young women's initiative under Akili Dada. The session focused on enhancing awareness and strengthening community-based responses to gender-based violence (GBV).

Gatekeepers—including religious leaders, teachers, local elders, boda boda riders, chiefs, and wazee wa kaya—hold immense influence in either perpetuating or challenging harmful norms.
As frontline actors in conflict resolution and community reporting systems, empowering them with the right knowledge, values, and tools is critical to building a more responsive and compassionate GBV prevention ecosystem.
This interactive session blended participatory facilitation, legal literacy, and values-based dialogues, creating a powerful platform for shifting mindsets and co-developing localized action plans for safer, more inclusive communities.

Key objectives included:

Enhancing understanding of GBV and its impact on women and girls

Equipping gatekeepers to act as informed first responders and allies

Fostering collective accountability in creating protective environments for all.
This joint effort with the PONA Initiative underscores the power of collaborative, community-led approaches in the fight against GBV. Change starts with those closest to the community—and we’re proud to be part of the movement.

06/06/2025

The PONA Initiative Marked the World Environment Day2025 with Fruit Tree Planting for a Sustainable Future In celebration of World Environment Day, the PONA Initiative took a meaningful step towards environmental conservation by planting trees—not just any trees, but fruit-bearing trees that provi...

05/06/2025

World Environment Day 2025 – Together We Can

This year’s World Environment Day celebrations in Malindi were more than a one-day event — they were a movement!

We were proud to join hands with key partners including ForumCiv, Akili Dada, Kwacha Afrika, Haki Africa, Kilifi Citizens Forum, and Manyatta Africa, alongside local government, civil society, youth, schools, and communities to drive collective environmental action under the global theme:
“Together we can .”
Our activities were preceded by an inspiring learning experience at Eco World in Watamu, where we explored the 7 Rs of plastic usage — a critical reminder of how we can all contribute to reducing plastic pollution:

♻️ Rethink – Challenge the necessity of plastic in our daily lives
♻️ Refuse – Say no to single-use plastics
♻️ Reduce – Cut down on unnecessary plastic consumption
♻️ Reuse – Give plastics a second life through creative repurposing
♻️ Repair – Fix items instead of replacing them
♻️ Recycle – Sort and process plastics into reusable materials
♻️ Rot – Compost organic waste to reduce overall garbage
This awareness session not only deepened our understanding of sustainable waste management but also inspired many of us to take bold steps toward circular economy solutions right here in Kilifi County.

From recycling education and clean-up activities to tree planting and youth-led forums, the Malindi event echoed one strong message:
Plastic pollution is not someone else’s problem. It’s ours to solve — together.
Together, we can and will .

31/05/2025

In Malindi, we met with the PONA Initiative, a safe and nurturing space dedicated to helping girls heal, grow, and rebuild after experiences of violence and trauma. Their psychosocial support and empowerment programs are life-changing for young survivors. ...

29/05/2025

Commemorating Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025: Together for a

This Menstrual Hygiene Day, The PONA Initiative in collaboration with Hope 4 Women Center proudly engaged adolescent girls from Airport Primary School in a powerful and transformative session on menstrual health and hygiene.

Under this year’s theme, "Together for a ," we created a safe, supportive space where girls could learn, ask questions, and break free from the silence and shame that too often surrounds menstruation.
We talked openly about menstrual health, distributed dignity kits, and empowered the girls with knowledge — because when girls understand their bodies, they’re more confident, stay in school longer, and are better able to reach their full potential.

It’s time to end period stigma and challenge the myths that hold girls back. Menstruation is natural — not something to hide or be ashamed of. Every girl deserves to menstruate with dignity.

We are proud to be part of a movement that’s working together — across sectors, ages, and communities — to create a future where no girl is left behind because of her period.

Special thanks to our partners, teachers, and the amazing girls of Airport Primary School for making this day so impactful.

13/05/2025

At The PONA Initiative, we're thrilled to see young women rolling up their sleeves and engaging in agricultural activities this rain season. From preparing seedbeds to planting and nurturing crops, these young changemakers are not only feeding their communities but also transforming agriculture into a viable and dignified career path.

But beyond the soil and seeds, mentorship and training in agribusiness have been the true game changers. Through hands-on guidance and skill-building workshops, these young women are gaining the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions, access markets, and scale their agribusiness ventures sustainably.

When young women are empowered with the right tools, support, and opportunities, they don’t just grow crops — they grow communities.

Let’s continue investing in mentorship and training to unlock the full potential of young women in agriculture.

10/03/2025

The PONA Initiative was well represented at the for the International women's Day..It was Insightful.
Empower women... Accelerate Action💪💪

08/03/2025

15/02/2025

We had the privilege of participating in a community dialogue organized by (PBI). The discussion focused on the legal framework surrounding gender-based violence (GBV) and the importance of ensuring justice for survivors.

GBV remains a critical issue that affects countless individuals, often leaving lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars. Understanding legal protections is essential in the fight against this injustice. By raising awareness, strengthening legal support systems, and encouraging survivors to seek justice, we take a step toward breaking the cycle of violence.

It is crucial that survivors know they are not alone. Access to justice not only holds perpetrators accountable but also empowers victims and helps build safer communities. We call on legal practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to continue advocating for stronger enforcement of GBV laws, accessible legal aid, and survivor-centered support mechanisms.

Let’s work together to create a society where no one suffers in silence. Justice, dignity, and safety are rights—not privileges.

14/01/2025

🌟 New Year, New Resolutions for Community Impact! 🌟

As we step into 2025, The PONA Initiative is renewing our commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and just society. This year, we are setting bold resolutions to further our mission and deepen our impact in the fight for gender equality and community empowerment.

Our goals for 2025 include:

🔹 Combating Gender-Based Violence: Strengthening our efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, while providing support and resources to survivors.

🔹 Promoting Gender Equality: Advancing the rights and opportunities of all individuals, ensuring equal access, protection, and freedom regardless of gender.

🔹 Women’s Economic Empowerment: Creating opportunities for women to gain financial independence, increase access to resources, and develop the skills to lead in business and community development.

🔹 Advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights: Ensuring access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

🔹 Strengthening Collaboration: Building partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and individuals to drive collective action for social change and justice.

🔹 Empowering Voices: Providing platforms for underrepresented community members, particularly women and marginalized groups, to lead initiatives and advocate for their needs.

🔹 Expanding Outreach: Extending our impact to reach more people, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward equality.

🔹 Sustainability Focus: Committing to eco-friendly practices in all our initiatives, while promoting environmental awareness in our communities.

🔹 Transparency and Accountability: Strengthening communication and trust through regular updates, open feedback channels, and responsible stewardship of resources.

At The PONA Initiative, we believe that together we can create lasting, transformative change. Join us as we work to empower individuals, challenge inequality, and build a more just world for all.

23/12/2024

See you soon 💓🤗🎉