Empowering Teenage Mothers: A story of Birth and Beyond

 

In today’s world, organisations like Birth and Beyond play a crucial role in empowering teenage mothers. Situated in the low-income areas of Gataka and Kware in Kenya’s Kajiado North Sub County, Birth and Beyond stands as a beacon of change, driven by the belief that investing in the potential of young women not only transforms individual lives but also accelerates progress for the entire community.

At Birth and Beyond, our vision is clear: to create a world where teenage mothers thrive and reach their optimum potential. Guided by this vision, our day-to-day activities are centred around our mission of partnering with communities to establish safe spaces for teenage mothers.

Through tailored programs encompassing counselling, mentorship, dignity kits, vocational training, and comprehensive support, we invest in the resilience and capabilities of teenage mothers. By doing so, we contribute to breaking the cycle of limited opportunities and fostering a generation of empowered women driving positive change.

Attending the Inaugural Women Leadership Academy by the Aga Khan University was a transformative experience for Birth and Beyond. Key deliverables of the program, such as leading self and leading others, equipped me with essential knowledge on managing self and leading others effectively, crucial for an organisation with minimal resources heavily reliant on volunteers.

 

The academy provided invaluable lessons and a network of women serving as benchmarks and sounding boards, aiding in the establishment of a board and workable structures within Birth and Beyond.

Leveraging the mentorship provided by the academy, Birth and Beyond has reached over 1500 adolescent girls and mothers, providing them with dignity kits and essential support. We’ve also fostered new partnerships in corporate circles, accelerating our impact and outreach.

Our ambition is to continually develop programs aiding adolescent mothers in scaling their realities, notably through vocational training. This year, we aim to ensure that hundreds of adolescent mothers acquire vocational skills, empowering them with income-generating abilities and paving the way for them to reach their full potential.

Birth and Beyond’s journey with the Aga Khan University Women Leadership Academy exemplifies the power of education, mentorship, and community support in driving positive change. With continued dedication and partnership, we’re committed to empowering teenage mothers and shaping a brighter future for generations to come. Follow our journey on Facebook at Birth and Beyond and join us in accelerating change and making an impact.