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Our History

Our Story

OUR STORY

“WODEF was inspired by the lived realities of women’s groups struggling to access funding, training, and visibility despite their critical role in community development.”

WODEF began with a simple but powerful belief: “when young women and girls are empowered, entire communities rise.”

WODEF engaging women and girls during a grassroots community discussion
Young women and girls during a WODEF mentorship session

In 2022, a group of passionate changemakers came together in Kisii County after witnessing a common challenge—women’s groups full of potential, yet held back by limited resources and support. They knew something had to change.

So WODEF was born not just as an organization, but as a response. A response to inequality. A response to missed opportunities. A response to the resilience of women who only needed a chance.

We envision to support small women-led groups across Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Kisii, Migori, Nyamira, Homabay, and Kisumu, growing into a movement, unlocking potential and transforming lives.

Today, we stand alongside young women and girls: equipping them with skills, amplifying their voices, and opening doors to opportunity so they can shape their own futures with dignity and confidence.

Our Philosophy

OUR PHILOSOPHY

At the Women Development Fund (WODEF), we believe that lasting change begins at the grassroots—where young women and girls live, learn, and lead.

Our philosophy is grounded in the understanding that empowerment is not a single action, but a continuous process of expanding access, building capacity, and transforming systems. We work through grassroots women’s groups and community networks because we recognize them as powerful drivers of change, deeply rooted in the realities and aspirations of the communities they serve.

We believe that when young women and girls are equipped with economic opportunities, access to health services and justice, leadership skills, and supportive community systems, they gain the power to shape their own futures. At the same time, strengthening women’s movements and collective voices enables communities to challenge harmful norms, influence policies, and advance inclusive development.

Our approach integrates EMPOWERMENT, ADVOCACY, RESEARCH & INNOVATION—ensuring that change is not only immediate, but also sustainable and far-reaching.

What We Stand For

WHAT WE STAND FOR

Grassroots-Led Change

Communities hold the solutions. We invest in local women’s groups as agents of transformation.

Dignity, Rights, and Equality

Every young woman and girl deserves respect, protection, and equal access to opportunities.

Collective Power

Strong movements create lasting impact. We amplify voices to influence systems and policies.

Evidence and Innovation

We champion data-driven and innovative approaches to address evolving challenges.

Sustainable Impact

We focus on building resilience—ensuring communities continue to thrive beyond our interventions.

Our Journey

OUR JOURNEY

“Since its inception, WODEF has supported dozens of grassroots women’s groups and reached hundreds of young women and girls across nine counties.”

2022 – Organization founded and registered

2023 – Mapped several women groups in multiple counties and launched core programs

2024 – Present – Strengthened partnerships and scaled community impact

WODEF works in collaboration with grassroots networks, local leaders, and partner organizations to co-create sustainable solutions. As WODEF continues to grow, it remains committed to scaling its impact, strengthening women-led movements, and creating lasting opportunities for young women and girls across Kenya.

Young women and girls participating in a WODEF community mentorship session

JOIN OUR MOVEMENT TODAY

Partner with WODEF to empower young women and girls, strengthen grassroots groups and movements, and build a future where every girl can thrive.

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Invest In Young Women & Girls Today

INVEST IN YOUNG WOMEN & GIRLS TODAY

Your support helps finance education, expand access to sexual and reproductive health services, promote economic empowerment, and equip young women with life-changing industry-relevant vocational and technical skills.

Your Investment Creates Real Change:

Educate

Keep girls in school and support access to quality learning opportunities

Protect Health & Rights

Expand access to sexual and reproductive health services and information

Empower Economically

Support young women and girls to start and grow sustainable livelihoods

Build Skills for the Future

Equip young women with industry-relevant vocational and technical skills

Ready to Give? Here we go;

  • $10 / KES equivalent – Provides learning materials for a girl
  • $25 – Supports SRHR awareness and access to services
  • $50 – Trains a young woman in vocational skills
  • $100+ – Supports a women’s group with capacity building
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WODEF

EMPOWERING YOUNG WOMEN AND GIRLS TO THRIVE

We are mobilizing resources to empower grassroots women-led organizations and champion young women's and girls' rights

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