As an Alliance of community leaders, we witness firsthand the powerful impact of women driving change at the grassroots. Women leaders are making strides by using their local expertise to build stronger communities and empower future generations.

One such member is Jeronim Obwar, the founder and leader of Youth Empowerment on Strategic Advocacy and Mentorship (YESAM), an organization dedicated to empowering women and girls in Western Kenya through sexual and reproductive health rights programs and advocacy.

Who they are

YESAM is a woman-led community-based organization (CBO) in Kisumu County that works to improve the lives of women and girls in informal settlements. They offer sexual and reproductive health education for youth, free access to reproductive health services, and social change programs focused on gender justice.

Jeronim Obwar founded YESAM to address pressing gender issues in her community, where young girls were dropping out of school due to early pregnancies, period poverty, and menstrual stigma. These girls, often from impoverished families, struggled to find gainful employment and lead dignified lives due to poor education, limited resources, and the challenges of early motherhood.

“YESAM ensures that women with disabilities, young mothers, and survivors of gender-based-violence are not left behind. We run programs tailored for women with special needs, ensuring they access reproductive health services without discrimination.”

Under Jeronim’s leadership, YESAM has provided menstrual health training and reusable sanitary kits to adolescent girls, enabling them to stay in school. The CBO has also established youth-friendly clinics that provide free contraception, STI screening, and confidential counseling. These free services ensure that young people who may not have the financial means to access such services can still receive the care they need.

In addition to their work in healthcare, YESAM is deeply committed to gender advocacy at the grassroots level. They collaborate with local organizations to champion gender justice and women’s rights, addressing key issues and championing attitude change among men and boys. This work is crucial, as sexual and reproductive health remains a taboo subject in rural Kenya, often creating critical gaps in information for youth.

Jeronim’s organization also works to influence reproductive health policy, advocating for local governments to offer free health services to marginalized women. This holistic approach to gender rights, along with her local expertise, has driven YESAM’s growth, attracting both local and international partnerships to strengthen their mission.

Where They are Heading

As they continue to grow, YESAM looks forward to partnering with organizations that center the voices and needs of marginalized women.

In Jeronim’s words, “True empowerment comes when every woman, regardless of background, has the right to make informed choices about her body and future. When we empower women with knowledge and choices, we create healthier communities and a brighter future for all. “

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