Why Women’s Health Awareness Is Part of Empowerment

Recent conversations around women’s health in Kenya have once again brought conditions such as endometriosis and PMOS into the public spotlight. On 27 September, thousands gathered at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre for Natalie Githinji’s Endometriosis Warriors event, creating a platform for women to share their experiences and raise awareness about a condition that continues to affect many women. Natalie has also openly spoken about her own long journey with endometriosis and the importance of continuing the conversation.
The conversation has been strengthened by other public figures sharing their experiences. Kenyan musician Fena Gitu recently spoke publicly about being diagnosed with Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as PCOS. Her story has contributed to a wider conversation about women's reproductive and hormonal health and the importance of women being able to speak openly about their experiences. These conversations matter because women's health challenges do not exist in isolation. They can affect education, work, relationships, confidence and participation in community life. When women lack information or feel unable to speak about challenges affecting them, they may also find it more difficult to seek appropriate support and continue participating fully in social and economic activities.
Salama is not a medical or healthcare organisation, and it does not diagnose or treat health conditions. Its role is centred on empowering women and young people, strengthening livelihoods and contributing to sustainable communities. Within this mandate, creating opportunities for awareness, dialogue and knowledge-sharing is an important part of empowerment. A woman who is confident enough to speak about challenges affecting her is better positioned to seek information, ask questions and make decisions about her own life. For young women, having access to reliable information and supportive spaces can also strengthen confidence and participation in education, employment, entrepreneurship and community activities.
Salama therefore sees empowerment as more than providing skills for livelihoods. It also involves creating environments where young people and women can identify challenges, share experiences and access information that can help them make informed choices. Through its community and youth-focused work, Salama contributes to this process by supporting awareness, participation and dialogue. Where specialised support is required, the organisation recognises the importance of connecting individuals with appropriate professionals and services rather than attempting to provide expertise outside its mandate.
This approach is particularly important for young women, who may encounter stigma or feel uncomfortable discussing issues affecting their wellbeing. Creating safe spaces for conversation can help reduce isolation and encourage people to seek the right support when necessary.
The recent stories shared by Natalie Githinji, Fena Gitu and many other women demonstrate the power of speaking openly. Their experiences help bring issues that are often discussed privately into public conversations and remind communities that awareness can be an important first step towards change. For Salama, the broader lesson is clear: empowerment means giving people the confidence, knowledge and opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their own lives.
By supporting youth and women empowerment, livelihood development and community-based awareness, Salama contributes to communities where people are better equipped to identify challenges, access appropriate support and participate meaningfully in their own development. Breaking the silence around women's experiences is therefore not only about starting a healthy conversation. It is also about building confidence, reducing stigma and ensuring that women and young people have the voice and agency to shape their futures.