Region: East Africa
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What happens when the taps run dry?
In the heart of Makueni County, Eastern Kenya, where the parched earth is a testament to ongoing drought and climate unpredictability—water is not just life. It is power, education, dignity, and survival. And when the taps run dry, so do many dreams.
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Sharing global experiences on climate justice in Estonia
The first international environmental justice conference in the Baltics took place at the beginning of April. Diverse voices from around the world came together to reflect on environmental justice and on the future of climate action. Hivos’ Abigael Kiprono made her way to Estonia to talk with Estonian Members of Parliament, engage with youth, and…
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Seeds of change: inside a rural agroecology training in Makongo Village
Tucked away in Gilgil’s Makongo Ward, a three-hour drive northwest of Nairobi, lies Makongo Village — where farming isn’t just a way of life, it is life. It’s here, amid the rocky, muddy terrain and lush green hills, that 25 community leaders have gathered under the Rural Women Cultivating Change (RWCC) program for an agroecology…
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Harvesting Equality: a groundbreaking call for change in African agriculture
By Cynthia Omondi Today I’m headed for Makongo Village, some hundred kilometers northwest of Nairobi. After an hour or two of punishment on the rocky, muddy roads, I step out to stretch, gazing at the undulating green hills — a testament to hard, unseen labor. Women in colorful wraps are bent over their fields,…
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Speaking out for SRHR: why lived experiences must shape policy and practice
“I listened as some delegations pushed back against terms that should be non-negotiable: comprehensive sexuality education, safe abortion, gender equality. These are not just words; they are lifelines for young women.”
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Queer entrepreneurs in Africa unite
Three years ago, friends and entrepreneurs Rodney, Adam and Chris joined forces to establish the Queer and Allied Chamber of Commerce of Africa (QACC Africa). Their mission: to create a safe and supportive environment for queer entrepreneurs. From homophobic suppliers to difficulties in obtaining a loan – queer entrepreneurs in Africa face significant challenges. And…
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745 projects that have made the world more inclusive
Over the last eight years, we have funded no fewer than 745 projects that contributed to inclusive change through our special Voice program.
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Women entrepreneurs in Kenya bringing clean energy to last-mile communities
In three counties surrounding Mount Kenya, an entrepreneurial revolution is transforming lives and addressing climate change. ENERGIA’s Women in Energy Enterprises in Kenya project, also known as WEEK 3, is lighting up more than homes—it’s illuminating the path toward a more inclusive and sustainable energy future. By Practical Action Kenya Supporting women entrepreneurs Spearheaded by…
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Digital activism in Africa and the Gen Z protests: the youth are leading the way
By Onyonge Mengo and Moses Awuor “Africa is Rising!”—or so the narrative goes. But the sun of economic growth does not shine on everyone. African youth face record-high unemployment, political underrepresentation, and limited access to resources. In 2024 alone, 19 African countries have held elections, yet young people – one-third of the continent’s population –…
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Reflecting on the R.O.O.M. program (2017–2024)
The Resources of Open Minds (R.O.O.M.) program, which Hivos started in 2017, is a great example of how creativity can challenge the status quo. Ending this year, R.O.O.M. empowered creators across Africa and the Middle East to amplify diverse, alternative ethical and social narratives in societies where public space continues to shrink. As we close…
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We Lead summit shines a light on femicide crisis
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains one of the most widespread human rights abuses globally. Shockingly, it is estimated that 1 in 3 women worldwide will endure physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. The safety of women, especially young girls, is threatened across the globe. To support the global call to end violence…
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Solar Sister: driving change through innovation and growth
ENERGIA has partnered with Solar Sister since 2022 to work on universal, equal and equitable access to and control over sustainable energy for all. During the partnership, Solar Sister has created and scaled up Sisterhoods in Nigeria, Tanzania and Kenya. The Sisterhood entrepreneurs deliver clean energy directly to homes in rural African communities. Two years…
