Women Lifting Women Through Volunteerism
Every year, International Women’s Day reminds us to celebrate the achievements of women while
reflecting on the work that still lies ahead. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” resonates deeply with
me, not just as an advocate for gender equality, but as someone who has had the privilege of working
alongside remarkable women through the Enkare Oltau Foundation.
This day is not only about celebration. It is about the girls who discover their voice when someone
believes in them. It is about women who reclaim their opportunities through education and mentorship.
And it is about the volunteers, mostly women, who dedicate their time, knowledge, and skills to uplift
other women in their communities.
At Enkare Oltau Foundation, we believe that when you empower a woman, you empower an entire
community. Through our work aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,
particularly those focused on Sustainable Development Goal 4 Quality Education, Sustainable
Development Goal 5 Gender Equality, and Sustainable DevelopmentGoal 8 Decent Work and Economic
Growth. We have witnessed how collective action can transform lives. One of the most powerful forces
driving this transformation is volunteerism.
The majority of our volunteers are women empowering women. They mentor girls, facilitate life-skills
programs, mobilize communities, and advocate for opportunities that many women historically have not
had access to. These volunteers are students, professionals, mothers, and community leaders who
choose to use their talents not only for personal success but for the progress of others. Their work
reflects the true spirit of volunteerism: sharing knowledge, creating opportunities, and strengthening
communities.
Over the years, our work has focused on creating practical pathways for women and girls to access
education, skills, and opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives. We have supported teen
mothers to return to education, ensuring that early pregnancy does not permanently end a girl’s
academic journey. Through mentorship and community support, many of these young mothers are
rediscovering hope and building futures for themselves and their children. We have also linked
vulnerable girls to scholarship opportunities, helping them stay in school and pursue their ambitions
despite financial challenges. For many girls from marginalized backgrounds, this support is the difference
between dropping out and completing their education.
Recognizing the importance of future-ready skills, we have also worked to empower young women
through STEM programs, encouraging girls to explore science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics fields where women have historically been underrepresented. Our work also includes
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) programs, where we provide girls and young
women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their health, education,
and future. These initiatives may differ in focus, but they share a common goal: ensuring that women and
girls have the knowledge, opportunities, and support systems they need to thrive.
Across Kenya, women and girls continue to face systemic barriers that slow progress toward equality.
Research shows that women are less likely than men to be employed, with only about 34% of working-
age women employed compared to 47% of men. Even when employed, women earn around 17.7% less
per hour than men, highlighting persistent economic inequality. Educational opportunities also reveal
disparities. While many girls begin school, women are still less likely than men to access post-secondary
education, limiting their ability to secure higher paying jobs and leadership opportunities. Economic
empowerment remains uneven as well. For instance, only about 5% of women in Kenya own a house on
their own, demonstrating the continued gap in economic ownership and financial independence. These
realities remind us that gender equality cannot be achieved through policy alone. It requires community-
driven action and this is where volunteerism becomes a powerful force for change.
At Enkare Oltau Foundation, the majority of our programs are powered by women volunteers who are
committed to empowering other women. They mentor adolescent girls, support young mothers returning
to school, facilitate STEM learning sessions, and advocate for opportunities that many women would
otherwise never access. These volunteers embody the spirit of women lifting women. They are proof that volunteerism is not just about giving time, it is about sharing power, networks, knowledge, and
opportunities.
As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day, my call to action is simple: let us expand the circle of
empowerment. Accelerating action for gender equality requires more women stepping forward to support
others. If you are a professional, consider mentoring a young woman. If you have expertise, share it
through community programs or volunteer initiatives. If you have resources, invest in initiatives that
support women and girls. Every woman carries knowledge, skills, and experience that can change
another woman’s life. When women support women, we do more than close gaps, we create new
possibilities. At Enkare Oltau Foundation, we remain committed to building a future where every girl has
access to education, every woman has the opportunity to thrive, and communities grow stronger through
the power of volunteerism. This International Women’s Day, let us not only celebrate women’s
achievements. Let us accelerate action together. Because the future we want will not be built by chance.
It will be built by women who choose to uplift other women.
Founder, Enkare Oltau Foundation
