Empowering Mental Health and Community Strength in Ngare Ndare, Kenya
June, globally recognised as Mental Health Awareness Month, sparked a powerful wellness initiative in Ngare Ndare, Meru County, Kenya. In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), the Lewa Women’s Microenterprise Programme hosted a transformative workshop focused on mental wellness. It empowered 32 women from the Kabanga and Naibala Women Groups, placing psychological health and community resilience at the centre of progress. Far from a typical session, it became a genuine journey toward healing, confidence, and renewed strength for women in the region
Breaking Barriers: Addressing Gender Roles & Mental Health in Kenya
Kicking off the session, a skilled professional counsellor dove straight into the unseen burdens that often weigh Kenyan women down: traditional gender roles, societal expectations, and pervasive myths. You could feel the energy in the room as these women leaned in, dissecting and questioning the stereotypes that had shaped their lives for too long. A realisation hit home: their identities are not, and should never be, limited by outdated cultural norms. This fundamental shift was the crucial first step toward true mental empowerment in Kenyan communities.
The conversation then moved into the practical realities of mental health. The counsellor helped demystify stress and depression, bringing these often-hidden conditions into the open. Women learned to spot the signs, both in themselves and in those around them, fostering mental health awareness within their communities. A critical part of the discussion focused on children’s mental wellness. Participants explored how much parental care and emotional support shape a child’s developing mind, recognising their vital role in breaking negative cycles and fostering healthier futures for the next generation in Kenya. Self-awareness, emotional resilience, and the often-overlooked practice of self-care were highlighted not as luxuries, but as essential building blocks. The women grasped that prioritising their own mental well-being isn’t selfish; it’s fundamental to their personal health and the bedrock of stronger, more harmonious family relationships in Kenya.
“This session made me really pause and think about the weight I carry every day,” one participant shared, a sentiment many echoed. “Now I see that taking care of my mind isn’t a distraction; it’s how I become stronger for myself and my family.”
Strengthening Communities: Legal Recognition for Women’s Groups in Kenya
Empowerment isn’t just about what’s inside. Recognising that strong communities require both resilient individuals and robust structures, the workshop seamlessly included a crucial practical element. A Social Development Officer from Buuri West Sub-County led an insightful session on the Community Group Registration Act No. 30 of 2022, which governs the formation, registration, and regulation of community-based groups in Kenya. Through this session, the women gained a deeper understanding of the importance of formal registration, effective leadership structures, and compliance for long-term sustainability. They also learnt how legal recognition under the Act can open doors to essential government support, funding opportunities, and capacity-building resources that are crucial for strengthening women’s empowerment groups across the country.
