In the heart of Kibera, where economic hardships and social stigma often hinder the progress of young mothers, Polycom Girls is making a difference through the Bado Binti Project. This transformative initiative is equipping teenage mothers with financial literacy, career development training, and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to rebuild their lives and achieve economic independence.
For many young mothers, the journey of motherhood comes with immense challenges, including financial struggles, family rejection, and societal stigma. However, through the support of the Bado Binti Project, women like Winnie Muya and Lavender Akinyi are rewriting their stories.
Winnie Muya: From despair to determination
Born and raised in Kibera, Winnie’s life took a drastic turn when she became pregnant as a teenager. With limited support, she faced the possibility of dropping out of school. However, in 2020, she encountered Polycom Girls, which not only assisted her with medical support at Kenyatta Hospital but also encouraged her to return to school after childbirth.
Despite initial rejection from her family, she persevered and is now planning to pursue photography and community development.
“Teen mothers often have no one holding their hands. Many of us are chased away by our parents. Polycom made my journey easier by providing support, engaging with parents, and helping us meet daily needs. Today, my relationship with my mother has improved, and she is proud of me,” says Winnie.
Lavender Akinyi: Leading the Way for Teen Mothers
At just 19, Lavender Akinyi joined Polycom Girls as a young mother. Through training and mentorship, she built self-confidence, developed public speaking skills, and expanded her professional network. Today, she works in digital marketing and leads Women for Teens, a program that fosters intergenerational conversations between young mothers and older women.
“Many teen mothers experience isolation. I faced rejection from my community. Through Women for Teens, we provide a sense of belonging and hold intergenerational conversations on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). These discussions help young mothers understand their environment and realize they can still build a future,” Lavender explains.
With support from Polycom Girls, Lavender has also returned to university to pursue community development and social work.
One of the biggest barriers to economic empowerment for teenage mothers is a lack of financial literacy. To bridge this gap, Polycom Girls partnered with David Odhiambo, a grassroots financial literacy champion, to provide a two-day financial and career management training for young mothers in the Bado Binti Project.
“Teen mothers often suffer from social discrimination and trauma. The training opened their eyes to financial opportunities, helping them gain confidence and plan for sustainable businesses. Many thought their small earnings were insufficient for savings, but we demonstrated that developing a saving culture, regardless of income level, is the first step toward financial independence,” explains Odhiambo.
The training focused on budgeting, saving, and making sound financial decisions, equipping the young women with practical skills to secure a stable future.
Founded in 2003 by Jane Anyango, Polycom Girls Development Project initially focused on addressing sexual violence and exploitation of young girls. Over the years, the organization has expanded to support teen mothers, young women, and older women by offering vocational training, mentorship, and education opportunities.
“Bado Binti is a big dream, but we acknowledge that teenage pregnancies remain high, and child-headed households are a growing concern. Many girls are primary caregivers, making it difficult for them to return to school or enroll in training programs. Our goal is to continue expanding this initiative nationally to reach more young women in need,” says Anyango.
Strategic Partnerships for Greater Impact
Polycom Girls has strengthened its reach through key partnerships with organizations such as:
UNFPA, which has helped expand the program from 6 schools to 50 schools.
Womankind Worldwide, which provides technical and financial support.
Equity Bank, which offers financial literacy training to the young mothers.
Mark Kidenyi, a financial literacy trainer from Equity Bank, highlights the importance of equipping teenage mothers with entrepreneurial skills.
“Financial knowledge alone is not enough. We are ensuring these young women can not only secure employment but also create opportunities for themselves and others,” says Kidenyi.
With over 5.34 million unemployed youth in Kenya, Bado Binti is a critical initiative in addressing the economic challenges facing young women. By focusing on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship, the program is empowering a generation of self-sufficient women who can contribute to job creation and economic growth.
Polycom Girls is calling on stakeholders, media houses, and community leaders to support the Bado Binti Project by amplifying the voices of young women striving for economic independence.
“Together, we can break the cycle of poverty, reduce unemployment, and create a brighter future for young women across Kenya,” says Jane Anyango.