From struggle to strength.
GDP’s Women’s Empowerment Movement reaches thousands of women across East Africa each year — through summits, trauma recovery, vocational training, and leadership development that creates lasting change.
women reached annually
years of service in Kenya
annual summits held each year
complete trauma training programs annually
Women in East Africa carry an unequal burden. GDP is changing that.
The numbers behind the need are stark. But behind every statistic is a real woman — and GDP’s programs are designed to reach her.
Women in East Africa earn up to 40% less than men, limiting economic independence and family stability.
Fewer than 25% of formal jobs in the region are held by women, despite women comprising nearly half the population.
Nearly 40% of women experience gender-based violence, impacting physical health, mental well-being, and economic participation.
How GDP responds.
Three programs, designed to reach her.
Hundreds gather for entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy, and peer mentorship.
Hundreds complete programs annually, learning healing tools and advocacy.
Safe spaces for mentorship, collaboration, and collective problem-solving.
Women’s Empowerment Summits.
Four times a year, hundreds of women gather for GDP’s signature empowerment summits — gaining practical skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy while building lasting networks of support and inspiration. These summits are a catalyst for economic independence and community leadership.
Held per year across Kenya
Of women gather at each summit
What happens at a Women’s Empowerment Summit.
Four times a year, hundreds of women gather at GDP’s Women’s Empowerment Summits — events that are part conference, part community, and part celebration of resilience.
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Practical entrepreneurship training
Starting and growing a business with limited resources.
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Financial literacy
Budgeting, saving, and accessing micro-finance opportunities.
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Leadership development
Communication, advocacy, and community organizing skills.
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Trauma-informed support
Integrated healing alongside skills development.
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Peer networks
Connections that outlast the summit and build a community of support.
GDP’s Women’s Empowerment Conferences are hosted at the GDP Multiplex Center in Mombasa — a permanent facility with an auditorium, classrooms, and dormitories that GDP owns and operates year-round.
Trauma Training & Recovery Programs.
In environments where gender-based violence and trauma are all too common, GDP’s trauma training programs provide essential tools for self-care, healing, and advocacy. Women learn strategies to grow stronger and become forces for change in their communities — transforming personal pain into collective power.
Hundreds complete training annually
Women’s Mentorship & Community Meetings.
Regular women’s meetings create safe, trusted spaces for ongoing mentorship, collaboration, and collective problem-solving. These gatherings extend the impact of the quarterly summits — creating a sustained movement that builds confidence and community beyond any single event or program cycle.
- Ongoing safe spaces for women
- Mentorship and collaboration
- Collective problem-solving
Real stories from GDP’s Women’s Empowerment Movement.
Behind every percentage point is a woman whose life changed direction. From survivors of gender-based violence who became community advocates, to entrepreneurs who now employ other women from the program — GDP’s impact is measured in transformed lives, not statistics alone. These stories are what sustain the movement. They are also what sustain GDP’s donors — the people who make these stories possible.
Grace came to GDP’s women’s center as a survivor of domestic violence with no income. Two years later, she runs her own tailoring business and employs three other women from the program.
Participant story · GDP Women’s Empowerment Program · Nairobi, Kenya
After years of carrying deep emotional scars from trauma, I arrived at GDP’s women’s center feeling broken and alone. The support I received helped me begin healing, regain my confidence, and believe that my life still had purpose. Today, I have found peace, strength, and a future I never thought was possible.
Participant story · GDP Women’s Empowerment Program · Nairobi, Kenya
- Candid Platinum 2025 & 2026
- Tax-deductible 501(c)(3)
St. Rita Evergreen Girls School — where empowerment begins earliest.
Opened in March 2025 in Nyahururu, Kenya, St. Rita Evergreen Girls School is the foundation of GDP's women's empowerment continuum — reaching girls as young as 12 with education, trauma recovery, and safety before they enter adulthood. Over 2,000 girls are currently on the active waiting list.
- East Africa's first trauma-informed schoolFor girls who have survived gender-based violence
- OpenedMarch 2025
- LocationNyahururu, Kenya
- Reaching girlsAs young as 12
- CareEducation, trauma recovery, and safety
- Active waiting list2,000+ girls
Join the movement from wherever you are.
There is a role for everyone in GDP’s Women’s Empowerment Movement — whether you give, go, or see the results.
$50 funds a summit seat. $150 covers trauma training materials for three women. Every gift is verified by Candid Platinum 2025 & 2026 and supports GDP’s women’s programs across East Africa.
Donate now →Come to Kenya and attend a Women’s Empowerment Summit in person. It is a chance to meet the women we serve, build lasting relationships, and share an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
See missions trips →See what changed. 92% of businesses launched through our women’s summits are still running a year later. Measured outcomes for every GDP program are on our Results page.
See the results →Make an incredible difference.
Your generosity makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Please consider making a donation today to help us continue our vital work and create a lasting impact.