CEO's Letter
Dear Friends, Partners, and Supporters,
It is with immense gratitude, humility, and hope that I write to you today on behalf of Jonica Foundation. From the earliest days of our journey, our vision has been both simple and profound:
to empower vulnerable mothers in Kenya to heal, rise, and build sustainable futures. This vision is not just a statement; it is a commitment, a promise, and a responsibility that drives every decision, program, and partnership we pursue.
Every mother carries a story, of resilience, courage, and determination. Yet, too often, these stories are unheard, their struggles unacknowledged, and their potential unrealized. Many women navigate life under the weight of poverty, widowhood, gender-based violence, disability, and neglected health realities. They are expected to care for families, provide for households, and remain resilient in the face of adversity, frequently without adequate emotional, social, or economic support.
These realities inspired the creation of Jonica Foundation: to listen, amplify, and act, ensuring that women reclaim their dignity, their voice, and their agency.
Through our programs, we strive to meet mothers where they are, addressing not just one dimension of their lives but the full complexity of their experiences. Our flagship initiatives, Mwili Wangu, Afya Yangu; Sauti Ya Mama; Imarika Fund; and Pamoja Pulse are designed to holistically support mothers across health, advocacy, economic empowerment, and community engagement.
Since our inception in 2025, we have reached over 1000 mothers across 5+ counties in Kenya, delivering four core programs that have amplified more than 20+ stories of resilience, hope, and transformation. We have seen firsthand how a combination of psychosocial support, education, mentorship, and financial empowerment can transform not only individual lives but entire
communities.
Connecting Our Work to the Sustainable Development Goals
At Jonica Foundation, we recognize that our local work resonates with a global agenda for
equity, health, and empowerment. Our initiatives directly support multiple UN Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG3-Good Health and Wellbeing
- 150+ mothers reached through Mwili Wangu, Afya Yangu
- 200+ safe community discussions held on hormonal and reproductive health
- 20+ healthcare referrals made for PCOS, menopause, and other reproductive health
issues - Impact: Mothers report improved understanding of their bodies, increased care-seeking,
and reduced emotional distress
SDG 4 – Quality Education
- 120 mothers trained in life skills, entrepreneurship, and health literacy
- 4,000+ hours of mentorship and storytelling delivered through Sauti Ya Mama
podcasts, workshops, and community sessions - Impact: Mothers gain knowledge to guide their families, educate children, and make
informed health and economic decisions
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
- 100+ mothers supported to overcome barriers such as gender-based violence,
widowhood, and disability - 200+ stories amplified to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote women’s rights
- Impact: Mothers gain confidence, voice, and agency, becoming advocates in their homes
and communities
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
- 50 mothers received seed capital through Imarika Fund
- 30 small businesses launched or scaled, generating income for families
- Impact: Mothers achieve financial independence, reduce household vulnerability, and
contribute to local economies
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
- 10 mothers with disabilities included in programs designed to ensure equitable access to
health, mentorship, and economic opportunities - 5+ counties engaged to reduce social stigma and support inclusion
- Impact: Vulnerable mothers access resources and platforms previously unavailable,
bridging gaps in opportunity and support
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
- 2 partnerships established with NGOs, local leaders, and government institutions
- 4 community events and advocacy initiatives organized to strengthen referral systems
- Impact: Collaborative networks ensure programs are sustainable, inclusive, and
responsive to mothers’ real needs
and collective action
Stories That Inspire and Transform
Our impact is best told through the stories of the mothers themselves:
“The Imarika Fund allowed me to start a small tailoring business. I now provide for my children,
save for emergencies, and send them to school with confidence. This program didn’t just give me
money—it gave me hope, independence, and dignity.” – Mama Amina, Nairobi
“Sauti Ya Mama helped me tell my story of surviving domestic violence. Speaking out in a safe
space gave me healing, restored my confidence, and inspired other women in my community to
share their voices.” – Mama Grace, Narok
“Mwili Wangu, Afya Yangu made me understand my body and hormonal health for the first
time. I now seek care without fear, support other mothers in my neighborhood, and feel less
isolated.” – Mama Rose, Homabay
“Through Pamoja Pulse, I learned about support networks, mentorship opportunities, and local
initiatives that help mothers. I now mentor other women in my community, passing on
knowledge and hope.” – Mama Faith, Kiambu
These stories reflect the resilience, courage, and potential of women when given the
opportunity, guidance, and support to thrive.
Lessons Learned and Future Directions
Through our work, we have learned that holistic empowerment is the key to lasting change:
- Economic stability is essential but insufficient without emotional and social support.
- Healing from trauma and sharing stories fosters confidence, dignity, and agency.
- Communities that are engaged and educated about mothers’ challenges shift attitudes,
reduce stigma, and strengthen collective support. - Partnerships with local leaders, NGOs, and government entities expand reach, enhance
program quality, and improve sustainability.
As we move forward, our focus will remain on scaling programs, deepening impact, and
ensuring sustainability. We envision a future where every mother, regardless of circumstance,
has access to healthcare, financial resources, mentorship, and community support, and where
their voices influence policies and social change.
Our work is only possible through the generosity, commitment, and collaboration of individuals,
organizations, and communities. I invite you to join us in our mission—whether as a volunteer,
partner, or donor, to help vulnerable mothers reclaim their voices, rebuild their lives, and inspire
change in their families and communities. Together, we can advance the SDGs locally while
nurturing resilient, empowered mothers whose impact ripples across generations.
With gratitude, hope, and determination,
Veronica Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
Jonica Foundation