In September 2023, a significant meeting took place in New York City, bringing together Her Excellency Mrs. Rachel Ruto, the First Lady of Kenya, with key figures committed to women's empowerment and community development. Among them were our founder, Connie Nielsen, along with board members Mikkel Vestergaard, Susan Sarandon, and Marcelo de Andrade. The discussions centered on strategies to advance gender equality and improve living conditions in Kenya's informal settlements.
Mrs. Ruto's dedication to uplifting women and her vision for a more equitable Kenya resonated deeply with the group. Recognizing the potential synergies, they explored avenues for collaboration to drive positive change.
Fast forward to February 2024, Mama Ruto's visit to the Kibera Town Centre marked the fruition of these discussions. Her presence underscored a tangible partnership formed on shared values and objectives. Throughout her visit, Mama Ruto engaged with local entrepreneurs, educators, and activists, gaining firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities within the community.
Mama Ruth's visit served to validate the efforts of the Human Needs Project and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable change. Moving forward, the partnership holds promise for advancing women's empowerment and community development initiatives in Kibera and beyond.