Nguvu Collective

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a global public health concern, acknowledged by the United Nations, and Nigeria bears a staggering 33% of the global burden annually. In response to the high prevalence of SCD, Nigeria initiated pre-marital genotype screening. This crucial measure aims to ensure that there is awareness amongst individuals about whether they are carriers of the sickle cell trait so that they can make informed decisions about the risk of having children, thereby reducing disease incidence. Since 2017, Kano, Kaduna, Anambra, and Abia have enacted laws mandating pre-marital screening. These laws are pivotal, requiring intending couples to undergo genotype tests before marriage. While these laws mark significant progress, the question remains: are they being effectively implemented nationwide? Nguvu Changeleaders Onor-Obassi Tawo, Mariya Bagudo and Nmuta Ngozi are working on a comparative analysis to understand the landscape of these policies. Follow us for updates on this exciting learning campaign.

Our Nguvu Change Leaders are making headlines! The petition to revoke John Chebochok's election has garnered 4200+ signatures and we're so grateful for your support! But we still need more voices; please sign and share widely to demand justice for Kenya's women tea pickers.

Let's talk about sickle cell disease and pre-marital genotype screening in Nigeria. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells, causing them to become sickle-shaped. This can lead to severe pain, infections, and complications such as stroke or organ damage. Nigeria has the highest prevalence of SCD globally, accounting for 33% of the global burden. Pre-marital genotype screening involves testing individuals for genetic traits to identify carriers of the sickle cell trait. This helps couples make informed decisions about the risk of having children with SCD. Nguvu Change Leaders Onor-Obassi Tawo, Mariya Badugo, and Nmuta Ngozi are working on a comprehensive study to analyze the legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms related to pre-marital genotype screening in Nigeria. This research is crucial in understanding and addressing the disparities in pre-marital genotype screening regulations across Nigerian states and will propose strategies for improvement. Watch this space to learn more about this study as it develops and concerted efforts by Nguvu Change Leaders to mitigate the impact of sickle cell disease.

Survivors of sexual abuse in the workplace often face immense challenges when coming forward. The fear of not being believed, the potential loss of employment, and the social stigma attached to being a victim of sexual assault are just some of the barriers that prevent many from reporting these heinous crimes. This environment of fear and silence allows perpetrators to escape accountability and continue their abusive behaviour. John Chebochok is a prime example of how the system fails to protect victims. Previously employed as a manager at global tea supplier James Finlay Kenya (now Browns Plantations Kenya), he was one of the managers exposed by a BBC News documentary that aired in February 2023 for using his position to demand sex for work from the women tea pickers. This led to his job loss, although no arrests or prosecutions were made. This small victory of ejecting him from his position of power was trumped on 28th June 2024, Chebochok was elected as the director of Toror Tea Factory, managed by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA). Allowing him onto the ballot and subsequently electing him is a monumental injustice to the women who courageously came forward to share their experiences. Our Nguvu Changeleaders, Josephine Mwende Kamene, Deborah Monari, and Kerry Mwita have taken a stand by initiating an online petition to appeal to both the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and KTDA to revoke Chebochok's election and prevent him from leading any tea factory. This petition is a crucial step towards ensuring that known abusers are held accountable and do not continue to wield power over vulnerable workers. Click the link below to sign the petition, share the message, and stand with survivors. https://lnkd.in/d6JQxkcw

Change is forged when the citizens of a nation band together to demand better from their elected representatives. We are so proud of our #NguvuChangeLeaders who showed up and participated in the protests that took place in Nairobi yesterday, demanding to be heard!

#DidYouKnow that Sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest burden of sickle cell disease globally? Approximately 75% of the global cases of SCD occur in this region. As we observe #WorldSickleCellDay today, we applaud our #NguvuChangeLeaders, Arnold Osano from Kenya and Onor-Obassi Tawo from Nigeria for their dedicated efforts to raise awareness about sickle cell disease.

Empowerment is not limited to any single group; it encompasses the freedom, dignity, and respect that every individual deserves. This #PrideMonth, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the rights and empowerment of all persons. Together, we strive to create a world where everyone can live authentically and thrive without fear of discrimination or prejudice. #HappyPrideMonth!

Popularly known as the "Period Senator" of Kenya, and spearheading the movement against Period Poverty in the country - Senator Gloria Orwoba is shattering so many glass ceilings. In Solidarity and Sisterhood, Gloria! Nguvu Collective's women change leaders, who have been highlighting the stiff challenges on menstrual equity in Kenya through their campaigns, will be your partners as you drive your Sanitary Towels Provisions Bill to become a Law. #OurPowerCollective #PeriodPoverty #MenstrualEquity

 Introducing our incredible Kenyan Changeleaders! We are beyond excited to welcome 28 dynamic women who are champions for women's rights in their communities to #LaunchpadKenya2024 - an event designed to be a catapult that will propel these Changeleaders into the next phase of their advocacy journey. We are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to meet and connect with these inspiring individuals, and we can't wait to witness the incredible impact they will continue to make in their communities and beyond. #NguvuChangeLeaders

 Introducing our incredible Kenyan Changeleaders! We are beyond excited to welcome 28 dynamic women who are champions for women's rights in their communities to #LaunchpadKenya2024 - an event designed to be a catapult that will propel these Changeleaders into the next phase of their advocacy journey. We are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to meet and connect with these inspiring individuals, and we can't wait to witness the incredible impact they will continue to make in their communities and beyond. #NguvuChangeLeaders