A grassroots feminist initiative has convened 40 adolescent girls and young women aged 15–25 in Kibera for the launch of the 2026 Community Listening Podcast Series, an initiative by Polycom Girls aimed at strengthening intergenerational leadership and feminist dialogue at the grassroots level.
The half-day event, held on the eve of International Women’s Day, marked the beginning of “Passing the Baton, Phase 3: Community-Based Podcast Listening Session #1.” The gathering brought together young women, mentors, and feminist leaders under the theme “GiveTo Gain, Listening, Learning, and Leading Across Generations.”
Organized under the Polycom Girls initiative and the HERSTORY Platform, the session used feminist storytelling as a tool for political education, leadership development, and community dialogue.
Podcast Stories Inspire Leadership Conversations
Participants listened to selected episodes from Passing the Baton Season 1, a podcast series documenting the experiences and leadership journeys of seasoned feminists. The stories sparked guided discussions and reflections on challenges facing women and girls today.
At the center of the programme is the leadership concept known as “Passing the Baton,” which emphasizes the intentional transfer of knowledge, mentorship, and responsibility from one generation to another.
Organizers said sustainable leadership depends on preparing future generations to continue the work of social transformation.
“Passing the baton is not just about women and girls,” organizers noted during the session. “It is about ensuring that lessons, opportunities, and experiences are shared so progress continues across generations.”
Conversations on Digital Violence and Economic Empowerment
Two podcast episodes formed the foundation of the discussions.
One episode examined the growing threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), including the non-consensual sharing of intimate images online. Participants reflected on the risks young women face in digital spaces and the importance of stronger awareness, legal protection, and accountability.
The discussion comes amid increasing public concern in Kenya over digital privacy and online abuse.
A second episode explored women’s financial independence, highlighting the role of economic empowerment in enabling women to participate meaningfully in leadership and decision-making. Young participants discussed the economic challenges many women face in informal settlements and how financial independence could expand opportunities.
Mentorship to Build Future Leaders
The event also introduced participants to the Trio-Tier Mentorship Programme, designed to connect seasoned feminist leaders, mid-career professionals, and emerging young leaders.
Brenda Kalekye, a board member at Polycom Girls, emphasized the importance of investing in the next generation.
“Passing the baton means believing in young women and their potential,” Kalekye said. “When girls are empowered to pursue education, start businesses, and take leadership roles, we build stronger communities.”
Expanding Feminist Knowledge to Communities
Programme officer Aphline Yogo explained that the listening series aims to bring feminist knowledge directly to communities rather than limiting it to academic or conference spaces.
“This phase is about cascading those stories back to the grassroots,” Yogo said. “When women hear these experiences, they realize they are not alone and can begin organizing around solutions.”
Mentor Sumba Njeri described the programme as a leadership apprenticeship rooted in feminist history, encouraging young women to engage more actively in civic and governance processes.
Next Steps for the Programme
Organizers reported that the session generated strong interest in mentorship opportunities and increased awareness on issues including economic justice, digital safety, and civic participation.
Additional community listening sessions are expected to take place across different communities throughout 2026, continuing efforts to strengthen grassroots leadership and advance gender justice in Kenya.