Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE Kenya)

According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), education is one of

the basic, but fundamental human rights. However, some issues such as poor

teacher remuneration, poor quality of education in public school and high drop-out

rates limit the availability of teaching and learning material and many countries are

still facing a few challenges to protect and implement the right to education. In

Kenya, for instance, sexual abuse, early marriages and pregnancies and gender

stereotypes continue to affect young girls’ and women’s education.

Luckily enough, several Non-Governmental Organizations have supported and

provided meaningful education to underprivileged kids in Kenya. The

Photographers' Association of Kenya was fortunate to visit one of the Centres of

Excellence (located in Kajiado) established by The Forum of African Women (FAWE kenya)

and funded by the French Embassy under PISCCA.

PAK Member Tumtitu reviews her pictures at A.I.C. girls primary school

PAK Member Elsa documenting FAWE project at Sajiloni girls

FAWE is a non Government Organization that works through National Chapters

(NCs) operating in 33 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Founded in 1992 by five

women ministers of education, their main focus is to promote access and improve

the quality of education for girls and women. The organization includes female

ministers of education, university vice-chancellors, education policy-makers,

researchers, gender specialists and human rights activists.

Dorise Ng'ong'a programs officer at FAWE Kenya

One of FAWE’s demonstrative interventions is the Tuseme Club (Let’s Speak Out)

which is a supportive group that encourages girls to address the issues they face in

both the school environment and in their community and develop clear solutions.

Besides the Tuseme Club, the organization also offers training and educational

programmes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Dorise with members of the Tuseme club at Sajiloni Girls

FAWE’s Centres of Excellence are created to be academically, socially, and

physically gender responsive with an intention to make education a more fulfilling

experience for those girls and women.

30 years later, The Forum of African Women continues to make an impact across the

African continent and through their Centres of Excellence.