{"id":715,"date":"2026-06-12T18:11:18","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T18:11:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/?p=715"},"modified":"2026-06-12T18:11:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T18:11:18","slug":"may-highlights-partnerships-policy-engagements-women-empowerment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/2026\/06\/12\/may-highlights-partnerships-policy-engagements-women-empowerment\/","title":{"rendered":"May Highlights: Partnerships, Policy Engagements &amp; Women Empowerment"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1928\" src=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-1434x1080.jpg 1434w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;May was a month defined by strong partnerships, policy engagement and community empowerment work for Baridi Kwa Baridi CBO, with key collaborations advancing child protection, anti-human trafficking, climate and agriculture policy review and women\u2019s economic empowerment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The month began with a visit from the Salvation Army, as their program on Human trafficking and modern slavery came to an end in Busia County. The engagement was aimed at discussing on how their beneficiary groups can continue advancing and amplifying the program&#8217;s objectives within their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260211-WA0076-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-728\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260211-WA0076-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260211-WA0076-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260211-WA0076-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260211-WA0076-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260211-WA0076-608x1080.jpg 608w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260211-WA0076.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On 18th May, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO hosted representatives from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council at our offices. The visit provided an opportunity for dialogue, partnership exploration and discussions on community health and development priorities. One of the key highlights was on data reporting where they shared a streamlined digital platform for organizations to share their data on matters health. The platform enables faster access to accurate information, improves coordination and enhances transparency, efficiency as well as accountability among members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"771\" src=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260518_143805-1024x771.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-723\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260518_143805-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260518_143805-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260518_143805-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260518_143805-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260518_143805-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260518_143805-1434x1080.jpg 1434w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Baridi Kwa Baridi also participated in DaCCA-led policy review sessions in Bumala, where CSOs analysed climate change and agriculture policies across Busia, Vihiga and Kisumu counties. The discussions highlighted gaps in policy implementation and concerns around \u201cblueprinting,\u201d where policies fail to reflect local realities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"717\" src=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260519-WA0134-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-717\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260519-WA0134-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260519-WA0134-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260519-WA0134-810x1080.jpg 810w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260519-WA0134.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"718\" src=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260520-WA0052-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-718\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260520-WA0052-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260520-WA0052-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260520-WA0052-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260520-WA0052-810x1080.jpg 810w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260520-WA0052.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"719\" src=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260520-WA0096-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-719\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260520-WA0096-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260520-WA0096-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260520-WA0096-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260520-WA0096-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260520-WA0096-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG-20260520-WA0096.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The organization also hosted ChildLine Kenya(One of our NIA partners), led by their  Director Martha Sunda. The visit provided an opportunity to share experiences and strengthen collaboration in efforts to end exploitative child domestic work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"771\" src=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-1024x771.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-725\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260507_150631-1434x1080.jpg 1434w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action conducted a sensitization forum on Blue Economy opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Busia County. The forum focused on enhancing women\u2019s participation in fisheries, aquaculture, transport, tourism and related value chains while addressing barriers such as limited access to finance, gender-based violence, cultural restrictions, double taxation and weak market systems. Participants also explored opportunities in fish farming, value addition, cage farming, cooperatives, fish feed production and tourism-based enterprises, with emphasis on inclusive and sustainable use of aquatic resources in Busia County. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"771\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260512_132436-771x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-727\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260512_132436-771x1024.jpg 771w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260512_132436-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260512_132436-768x1020.jpg 768w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260512_132436-1157x1536.jpg 1157w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260512_132436-1542x2048.jpg 1542w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260512_132436-813x1080.jpg 813w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260512_132436-scaled.jpg 1928w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 771px) 100vw, 771px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Lastly, On 23rd May 2026, AICS in partnership with Freedom Fund NIA program partners\u2014Baridi kwa Baridi CBO, Childline Kenya, Busia Beyond Crime CBO and ICS facilitated a child-centered public participation forum at Baridi kwa Baridi CBO offices in Busia County. The forum, titled \u201cOur Plan to Keep Kids Safe in School,\u201d brought together 32 participants, including children aged 5\u201317 and key child protection stakeholders, to contribute to the National Policy on the Elimination of Child Labour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through interactive and participatory discussions, children explored issues around harmful and non-harmful work, child rights, and safe reporting mechanisms for exploitation. The session provided a safe space for children to share experiences and recommendations aimed at strengthening child protection systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The forum successfully amplified children\u2019s voices and generated practical inputs to inform the national policy, with recommendations for wider replication, child-friendly policy translation, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"771\" data-id=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145705-1024x771.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145705-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145705-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145705-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145705-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145705-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145705-1434x1080.jpg 1434w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"771\" data-id=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145728-1024x771.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-724\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145728-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145728-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145728-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145728-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145728-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145728-1434x1080.jpg 1434w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"771\" data-id=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145731-1024x771.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-726\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145731-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145731-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145731-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145731-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145731-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145731-1434x1080.jpg 1434w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"771\" data-id=\"722\" src=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145735-1024x771.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145735-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145735-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145735-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145735-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145735-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145735-1434x1080.jpg 1434w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"771\" data-id=\"721\" src=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145740-1024x771.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-721\" srcset=\"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145740-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145740-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145740-768x578.jpg 768w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145740-1536x1157.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145740-2048x1542.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_20260523_145740-1434x1080.jpg 1434w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>May marked a strong step forward in sustaining impact beyond project lifecycles. Through strategic collaborations and community centered engagements, Baridi Kwa Baridi CBO continues to influence policy, strengthen protecting systems and open up inclusive economic opportunities for women and vulnerable communities. These collective efforts are laying a stronger foundation for safer, more equitable and more resilient communities across Busia county and beyond.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;May was a month defined by strong partnerships, policy engagement and community empowerment work for Baridi Kwa Baridi CBO, with key collaborations advancing child protection, anti-human trafficking, climate and agriculture policy review and women\u2019s economic empowerment. The month began with a visit from the Salvation Army, as their program on Human trafficking and modern slavery [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":725,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"saved_in_kubio":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-715","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=715"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":729,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions\/729"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/725"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=715"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=715"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=715"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}