The Action Foundation

The Action Foundation hosted the Inaugural CARE (Caregiver Awareness Resource and Empowerment) Conference. The two-day event, themed "Lived Experiences of Caregivers of Children with Disabilities: Nurturing Care, Representation, Voice, Agency, and Grassroots Advocacy," brought together over 1400 caregivers/parents of children with disabilities, community health workers, representatives from Community Based Organizations, and panelists from various institutions including the Ministry of Health, Kenya, Nairobi City County Government, The Benjamin Foundation, Early Start Africa, ECD Network for Kenya, Nivishe Foundation, International Budget Partnership Kenya, Kenya Institute of Special Education, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Rare Disorders Kenya, Andy Speaks for Special Needs Persons and the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA). The CARE Conference resulted in a strong commitment to support caregivers of children with disabilities. It emphasized accurate data collection for budget allocation, parental empowerment programs, well-being of caregivers and establishing childcare centers with trained staff. It highlighted the need for improved access to health services, Universal Health Coverage to reduce caregiver expenses, and comprehensive disability assessment and registration with NCPWDs. The conference called for caregiver representation in decision-making forums and advocated for national campaigns to address stigma and discrimination, fostering a more inclusive society. Image description:- Image 1: Maria Omare, our Executive Director and Founder of The Action Foundation, giving her remarks Image 2: Christine Mutena founder of Rare Disease Kenya, giving a keynote speech Image 3: DJ WiWA seated on a chair with headphones on playing music for audience members Image 4: A group of caregivers dancing to music Image 5: A female caregiver holding a microphone and holding a baby sharing her thoughts on disability inclusion Image 6: Leonard Chumo, IRENE GICHOHI, Christine Mutena, @Elizabeth Munghithi, Monica Kariuki, Julianna and Maria Omare seated on a stage having a panel discussion Image 7: A caregiver and Esther Ngatho, a staff member, posing for a photo holding a photo frame Image 8: Theresa Anyango, Anthony Ogutu, Stijn Kneppers, Maria Omare and stephen Ikonya posing for a group photo on a stage Image 9: A large room full of people sitting in chairs Image 10: A group of people in a conference hall seated on chairs listening to a panel discussion happening at the front of the hall on a stage #CAREConference24 #DisabilityAdvocacy #ResponsiveCaregiving #CaregiversUnite #InclusiveFuture

🌟 Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) 🌟 Today, we joined hands with children and youth with disabilities, teen mothers of children with disabilities and caregivers to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Dagoretti Special School. Together, we celebrated our achievements, raised awareness, and championed inclusion and empowerment for persons with disabilities. In line with this year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” we hosted an engaging session where youth with disabilities and teen mothers of children with disabilities took center stage. They shared their challenges and co-created innovative, inclusive solutions to ensure they thrive in their communities. At The Action Foundation, we believe that inclusion is not just a goal—it’s a shared responsibility. Let’s continue to amplify voices and empower leadership for a future where everyone belongs. 💙 Image Description: Image 1: A group photo of children and youth with disabilities, teen mothers of children with disabilities and caregivers. Image 2: A photo of children with disabilities together with their caregivers during the International Day of People with Disabilities walk. Image 3:  A photo of children with disabilities together with their caregivers during the International Day of People with Disabilities walk. Image 4:  A photo of caregivers and team from The Action Foundation carrying the International Day of Persons with Disabilities banner. Image 5: A photo of Betty Mulavi, a TAF member, interacting with teen mothers of children with disabilities. Image 6:  A photo of Stacy Irara, a TAF member, interacting with youth with disabilities. #IDPWD2024 #DisabilityInclusion #Empowerment #TAFat15 #WeAreTAF WomenStrong International AMPLIFY GIRLS Masana wa Afrika Segal Family Foundation Partners for Equity Handprint The Arthur B. Schultz Foundation Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN)

🎙️Listen up!  WomenStrong partner and disability inclusion advocate Maria Omare was recently featured on Season 10 of #Philanthropod, the podcast by the Australian International Development Network. In this inspiring episode, Maria shares her incredible journey—from founding the first Action Foundation center in Nairobi’s informal settlement of Kibera to leading transformative efforts toward building inclusive, resilient communities. Podcast Highlights: ✅ Advancing inclusive education, early childhood care, and health for children with disabilities. ✅ Championing sexual and reproductive health rights for women and girls with disabilities. ✅ Collaborating with the Kenyan government to fight stigma and ensure access to vital services. ✅ Promoting a pan-African vision: Africans creating African solutions. 🎧 Find this insightful conversation here:  Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gAsMFtTS Apple: https://lnkd.in/giq5g_jJ

🌟 This Giving Tuesday, Build a Future of Possibilities! 🌟 As we approach Giving Tuesday, join us in celebrating the global movement of generosity by contributing to a cause that transforms lives. At The Action Foundation, we envision a fully inclusive Africa where children, women, and girls with disabilities thrive. With your support, we can make this vision a reality by building the Innovation and Community Centre (ICC)—a safe, inclusive space that will: 💻 Empower youth with disabilities through digital skills training for brighter opportunities. 👩🦽 Provide an accessible office environment for team members with disabilities to lead and innovate. 🤝 Create safe mentorship spaces for girls with disabilities to dream, grow, and achieve their full potential, among other services for children and youth with disabilities. The Action Foundation Innovation and Community Centre isn’t just a building—it’s a commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and brighter futures. Every donation brings us closer to building hope and opportunity. Donate here: https://shorturl.at/oU9nR ✨ Donate today and make a lasting impact! Video Description: A video of Juliet Muema, our Adolescent Girls and Young Women Empowerment (Ibuka) Program Lead, as she highlights the transformative impact of our work. #BuildAFutureOfPossibilities #GivingTuesday2024 #InclusiveFuture #DisabilityEmpowerment #InnovationForAll #TheActionFoundation

On Monday, we hosted an event to commemorate the Kenyan launch of Reclaiming Power – An Anthology of Stories on the Resilience and Strength of Women with Disabilities, in observance of The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The event marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, where powerful conversations were ignited, inspiring stories were shared, and our joint commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable future was reaffirmed. 💡 Reclaiming Power transcends being a mere book; it symbolizes a movement—a homage to resilience, self-advocacy, and the unwavering strength of women with disabilities. A heartfelt thanks to the civil society organizations, Government Ministries, allies, and champions for gender equity who gathered to celebrate the remarkable women featured in the book. We are also immensely grateful to WomenStrong International for their invaluable support in making this project a reality.  Read more about the Reclaiming Power book here :https://shorturl.at/iMOtL Image Descriptions: Image 1: A photo showing guests and different stakeholders holding the Reclaiming Power Book during its launch. Image 2:  Women with disabilities featured in the book posing for a photo with Maria Omare, Founder & Executive Director, TAF. Image 3: Mentors from the Ibuka Program holding commitment pledges. Image 4:  Susan Wekesa, Chief Legal Officer, NCPWD, Chief Guest at the Reclaiming Power Book Launch giving her speech. Image 5: Mildred Omino, a board member addressing the audience during the book launch. Image 6: Maria Omare, Founder & Executive Director, TAF, giving her speech during the book launch. Image 7: TAF Board Members and TAF Team posing for a group photo with women with disabilities featured in the Reclaiming Power Book. #ReclaimingPower #WomenWithDisabilities #16DaysOfActivism #InclusionMatters #EmpowermentThroughStories

Breaking barriers and fostering inclusion is not just about increasing numbers,  it’s about creating lasting change: Overturning biases and shifting societal mindsets to show that STEM is for everyone. Through the #IbukaGirlsInSTEM Initiative, The Action Foundation is championing a movement that empowers girls, including those with disabilities, in STEM fields. By equipping them with the necessary tools, support, and a nurturing environment, the initiative is not only enhancing their skills but also debunking stereotypes that hinder their pursuit of STEM education. I am thrilled to share our STEM Initiative at The African Union and UNESCO's Continental Conference on Transforming Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in Africa. I will highlight the policies and practices that are instrumental in retaining and promoting girls in STEM. Empowered girls and women in STEM are catalysts for innovation, mentors for future generations, and architects of a brighter, more inclusive world. #STEMAfrica #InclusiveEducation #TransformingSTEMInAfrica #GirlsOpportunityAlliance Google Tsehaitu "Tubi" Retta Maina Gathinjaga Gĩokõ

We’re thrilled to announce the Kenyan launch of the Reclaiming Power Book – An Anthology of Stories on the Resilience and Strength of Women with Disabilities! The launch is set for Monday, 25th November 2024, coinciding with the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Reclaiming Power is more than a book; it’s a celebration of resilience, a testament to the power of self-advocacy and community, and a call for an inclusive future. It inspires empowerment and invites reflection on how society can foster inclusivity and equity for all. Image Description: Image 1: A poster showcasing the Reclaiming Power book with details of the Kenyan launch, including the date, time, and venue. #ReclaimingPowerBook #WomenWithDisabilities #Resilience #Inclusion #Empowerment #BookLaunch #16days #15YearsOfImpact #15YearsOfTAF

🎙️ Our Founder & Executive Director on Philanthropod! 🌍 We are thrilled to share that our Founder and Executive Director, Maria Omare, was recently featured on Season 10 of #Philanthropod, a podcast by the team at the Australian International Development Network. In the podcast episode, Maria shares her inspiring journey as a disability inclusion advocate from Kenya. From establishing the first Action Foundation center in Kibera in 2012 to leading efforts in wider systems change, she has been steadfast in her commitment to creating inclusive and resilient communities. 🌟 Highlights from the podcast: ✅ Advocating for inclusive education, early childhood care, and health access for children with disabilities. ✅ Advancing sexual and reproductive health rights for women and girls with disabilities. ✅ Collaborating with the Kenyan government to challenge stigmas and ensure access to essential services. ✅ Sharing The Action Foundation’s vision for a pan-African strategy to drive “Africans creating African solutions.” Maria’s exceptional work has earned her prestigious recognitions, including the Ford Motor Company International Fellowship, Cordes Fellowship, and being named among Michelle Obama’s “Red Magazine UK’s 25 Visionaries to Watch.” Don’t miss this insightful conversation with host Anubha Rawat, where Maria delves into The Action Foundation’s journey, vision, and impact. 🎧 Tune in here: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gAsMFtTS Apple: https://lnkd.in/giq5g_jJ Image Description: A poster showing Maria Omare as the interviewee at the Philanthropod Podcast featuring both her and the podcast host, Anubha Rawat. #DisabilityInclusion #WomenAndGirls #Inclusion #15YearsOfImpact #15YearsOfTAF

It was so great to be interviewed by Anubha Rawat for Philanthropod, a podcast by the team at the Australian International Development Network. I'd be honored if you took the time to listen and learn more about my 15-year journey and our work at The Action Foundation. Listen on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gAsMFtTS Listen on Apple: https://lnkd.in/giq5g_jJ Josephine Karianjahi Mildred Omino John Mugo Maina Gathinjaga Gĩokõ James Chege #15YearsOfImpact #WeAreTAF #DisabilityInclusion #CommunityTransformation

Season 10 of #Philanthropod just keeps getting better! Our latest episode of Philanthropod features Maria Omare. Maria is a distinguished disability inclusion advocate from Kenya and Executive Director of The Action Foundation. Since her university days, Maria has devoted her career to building inclusive and resilient communities where those with disabilities can access adequate health and education services. Nearly thirteen years ago, Maria set up her first centre in the Kibera slums, serving just a handful of local community members. Today, The Action Foundation focuses on wider systems change, challenging stigmas against disabilities and working with the Kenyan government to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to education and health care at school. Maria has also played a crucial role in various initiatives focused on inclusive education, early childhood care and education, and the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls with disabilities. For her exceptional work, Maria has earned numerous prestigious awards, including the Ford Motor Company International Fellowship, Cordes Fellowship, and Michelle Obama’s “Red Magazine UK’s 25 Visionaries to Watch”. To learn more, tune in to hear Anubha Rawat in conversation with Maria. Anubha and Maria take the listeners through The Action Foundation’s journey. They also discuss The Action Foundation’s pan-African strategy moving forward. Afterall, as Maria notes, impact will be maximised when it is “Africans creating African solutions". Listen on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gAsMFtTS Listen on Apple: https://lnkd.in/giq5g_jJ #Kenya #disabilityinclusion #womenandgirls #inclusion #eastafrica #localleaders #globaldevelopment #health