Shining Light on Women Who Motivate Us
- Elizabeth Stanley
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate the incredible contributions women have made to history, culture, and society. We often see stories about trailblazers like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Malala Yousafzai, and Rosa Parks, whose courage and resilience have shaped the world. But beyond these icons, each of us has a woman in our life who inspires us, whether through quiet strength, unwavering support, or bold leadership.
SIA is proud to support many women-led organizations and is honored to highlight the incredible women who have inspired other leaders to pursue this impactful work. Here are a few of their stories.
Ubuntu CBO, Kenya
In the heart of public schools, where challenges loom large and resources run thin, two extraordinary women have been quietly shaping the future. Mary Ann and Rosecate are more than educators—they are beacons of hope, tirelessly working to uplift every child in their care.
Their impact extends far beyond the classroom. They have spent countless hours securing sponsors for students in need, knocking on government doors for bursaries, and rallying friends to fundraise for school uniforms. Their dedication is unwavering, their sacrifices immeasurable. Through late nights, relentless advocacy, and boundless compassion, they have transformed the lives of countless children, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Blessed Hands, Kenya
In June 2023, a group of determined women came together to create something truly transformative—Blessed Hands Women Group, Kenya. With 15 passionate members, all under 35, this dynamic collective was born through Saliamo Agri-Ventures, a woman-led enterprise dedicated to vegetable production and value addition. Despite growing up in families that own vast parcels of land, many young women in the community had never been actively involved in farming. But that is changing.
Blessed Hands is more than just a farming group—it is a movement of empowerment and economic resilience. Recognizing the challenges of unemployment despite holding college and university degrees, these women chose action over limitation. Through farming and table banking, they are not only generating income but also building a support system that fosters entrepreneurship and financial independence. Together, they are proving that agriculture is not just a livelihood but a pathway to sustainable success, uplifting each other and their entire community along the way.
Transformers Mathare, Kenya
During his pastoral visits to Mathare, Jack Owuor came face-to-face with the harsh realities young girls endured—lacking even basic necessities like sanitary pads, many were forced into desperate situations. The streets were plagued with drug abuse, gang violence, and sexual assault, leaving countless youth without hope. In the faces of these young women and girls, Jack saw his late mother and sister—the same struggles, the same pain, and the same need for love and support. Though he once dreamed of priesthood, fate led him down a different path. He embraced a new mission, fully immersing himself in the slums of Mathare, where the contrast between privilege and poverty became painfully clear.
From this realization, Transformers Mathare was born—an initiative dedicated to empowering, educating, and uplifting the underprivileged. Every step Jack takes, every project he launches, is a tribute to his late mother and sister, whose resilience fuels his passion. One of his most heartfelt initiatives, Coding with Kids, is dedicated to his sister Winnie, a brilliant young woman whose potential was never fully realized. Through this program, he ensures that other children—especially young girls—get the opportunities Winnie never had. As the 26th anniversary of his sister's passing approaches, her legacy lives on in every transformed life.
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