A team from Strathmore University has emerged victorious at the WEF Nexus Hackathon, taking home KSh 265,000 in prize money for their innovative solution, WEF Her Voice. The project seeks to transform women’s participation in decision-making within the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities in Kenya.

The winning team, comprising Augusta Njogo, Diana Kosgei, Kirsten Dass, Maryvelma Nafula, Fridah Namudu, and Quincy Mogaka, created WEF Her Voice, an innovative hybrid solution that blends a digital platform with community-based engagement. It combines storytelling, leadership training, digital literacy programmes, and inclusive communication tools such as SMS, radio, and digital hubs to ensure women’s perspectives and solutions are not only heard but acted upon.

Addressing a persistent inclusion challenge in the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, the platform aims to tackle the gender imbalance in leadership roles. Although women are the primary actors in securing water, food, and household energy in many communities, decision-making spaces are still dominated by men. The innovation seeks to shift this dynamic by creating channels where women’s contributions directly shape community projects and policy directions.

The WEF Her Voice initiative will be implemented within the WEF Transitional Living Lab, hosted by Strathmore University. This will provide an opportunity to test, refine, and scale the solution for broader impact across Kenya and the African continent.

Reflecting on the achievement, the team expressed deep gratitude for the guidance received over the past three months. They acknowledged the invaluable mentorship of Dr. Jennifer Krueckeberg, as well as the support of the UNESCO Chair at Strathmore University and all ONEPlanET partners who contributed to their journey.

From Kibera to Makueni, the team remains committed to amplifying women’s voices in climate resilience and WEF decisions. As they put it, “Women are not just beneficiaries of change, they are the change.”

This win not only underscores Strathmore University’s leadership in fostering innovation but also highlights the transformative potential of integrating gender equity into climate and development solutions.

Article written by Kirsten Dass