SHELEADS CIVIC
Why it Matters
SheLeads Civic is Jonica Foundation’s programme for increasing women’s participation,representation and influence in politics, governance and public decision-making.
The programme prepares women—especially young women and grassroots women—to understand governance, participate in public processes, build leadership skills, speak confidently, organise communities and pursue leadership opportunities.
SheLeads Civic is non-partisan. We do not campaign for political parties or candidates. We
build women’s capacity to participate and lead.
The Problem
Women make up about half of Kenya’s population, yet they remain underrepresented in political leadership. As of February 2024, women held only 23.3% of seats in Kenya’s Parliament.
Following the 2022 elections, women occupied only 201 of 1,882 elective positions. The problem is not simply that fewer women contest elections.
Many women:
• Do not understand how public participation and county decision-making work.
• Lack political and leadership networks.
• Have limited access to mentors.
• Lack confidence and public-speaking experience.
• Face financial barriers to political participation.
• Experience gender stereotypes and intimidation.
• Are excluded from spaces where community priorities are decided.
• Participate in public forums but do not know how to influence the final decisions.
Young and grassroots women are particularly affected.
Target Group
SheLeads Civic will prioritise:
• Women aged 18 years and above.
• Young women aged 18–35.
• Grassroots women leaders.
• Women with disabilities.
• Women entrepreneurs.
• Women from informal settlements and rural communities.
• University and college-going young women.
• First-time and aspiring women leaders.
• Women already serving in community leadership structures.
Short Term Goal
To equip 150 women across five counties with practical leadership, civic participation and governance skills and support at least 75 of them to participate in actual decision-making processes within one year.
Long Term Goal
To build a network of at least 1,500 informed, confident and connected women leaders who actively participate in and influence political, civic and public decision-making at community,county and national levels.
General Objective
To increase the meaningful participation, leadership, representation and influence of women in governance and political decision-making.
Specific Objectives
Within the first 12 months, SheLeads Civic will:
- Train 150 women on leadership, governance, civic rights and political participation.
- Mentor 50 young and emerging women leaders for at least six months.
- Support at least 75 trained women to participate in public participation forums,
community meetings, budget processes or other governance spaces. - Conduct 5 county-level Women & Governance Dialogues, reaching at least 250
additional community members. - Develop a SheLeads Network of at least 150 women for continued mentorship,
information sharing and leadership opportunities.
Core Activities
- Conduct 5 two-day SheLeads Civic Leadership Bootcamps, one in each target county,
training 30 women per county. - Train participants on public speaking, governance structures, public participation,
policy advocacy, community mobilisation, political communication, negotiation and
ethical leadership. - Select 50 emerging women leaders from the bootcamps and match them with
experienced women leaders, professionals and mentors for a six-month mentorship cycle. - Conduct 5 Women & Governance Dialogues bringing together trained women, county
officials, community leaders, civil society and experienced women leaders. - Support at least 75 women to attend real public participation forums, county
consultations, budget hearings or community decision-making meetings. - Train participants to prepare simple memoranda, petitions and community position
statements on issues affecting women.
Impact
- 150 women equipped for leadership with practical skills in governance, civic
participation, public speaking, advocacy and political engagement.
• 50 emerging women leaders matched with mentors for structured leadership and
career guidance.
• 75 women supported to participate in actual governance spaces, including county
public participation forums, budget hearings and community decision-making meetings.
• 5 counties actively engaged through locally delivered leadership and civic participation
activities.
• 5 Women & Governance Dialogues convened, bringing women together with
government representatives, community leaders and other decision-makers.
• 250 community members reached through conversations on women’s leadership,
representation and participation in governance.
• 150 women enrolled into the SheLeads Network, creating an ongoing platform for
mentorship, opportunities, information sharing and collective action.
Our Foundation for This Work
Jonica Foundation already uses a women-led community leadership model through our County SRHR Ambassadors, community dialogues, advocacy programmes and stakeholder engagement. Our County SRHR Ambassador opportunity attracted more than 600 applications from young women, demonstrating the demand for meaningful spaces where young women can learn, lead and contribute. SheLeads Civic takes that experience further—from community advocacy to public leadership and decision-making.
Support Us
Help Her Move From Having a Voice to Having Influence.
Partner with Jonica Foundation to train, mentor and connect the next generation of women leaders.