Background of Mama na Dada Africa

Mama na Dada was established in 1998 by two African women from Kunya Village, a small rural lakeside village on the shores of Lake Victoria, in the Nyanza Province of Kenya. "Mama" is the generic word for mother, and "Dada" is a Swahili word, meaning sister. The organization was formed as a community organization, but later obtained a non-governmental (not-for-profit) status in 2000.

The founders believed that there can be no lasting improvement in the lives of women if girls are not also given the opportunity to achieve their true potential. In African communities, many girls never escape the devastating and lifelong consequences of gender discrimination that often lead to teenage pregnancy, prostitution, and homelessness.

In Kunya Village, Mama na Dada Africa has developed a community-based initiative that is geared towards the empowerment of women and girls between the ages of 12 and 25. The project focuses on reproductive health, HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, and assists the girls in attaining at least the basic education. The long-term objective of the project is to create a healthier environment for girls and women, and to empower them through education so they might gain mental and financial independence.

For those girls whose parents are either unable or unwilling to take them to school, the project assists in obtaining studentships and scholarships from individuals or institutions. It costs roughly $360 USD per year to take a girl through seven years of primary school, and $600 USD per year for four years of secondary school. To send a girl to school, click on Donate on the left side of this page.

Goals of Mama na Dada Africa

»  Provide information and support to enable young women and girls to get more involved in decision-making and to have their voices heard.

»  Offer appropriate practical and emotional assistance to enable individuals to live independently, make informed choices, and actively participate in life within the community.

»  Create a chain of learning, social activism and change so that as young women mature they will impart skills they have learned to other girls through outreach, modeling, and peer education.