GVO successfully conducted a mentorship session for grassroots women leaders in New Site and Joppa communities, aimed at strengthening their capacity to identify community challenges, develop advocacy messages, and effectively present position papers and petitions to relevant authorities.

The mentorship brought together 30 grassroots women leaders who were equipped with practical knowledge and skills on community advocacy, policy engagement, and leadership. The session focused on helping women understand the importance of documenting community concerns, developing evidence-based advocacy documents, and using petitions and position papers as tools to engage decision-makers and demand meaningful action.

During the mentorship, participants learned the differences between position papers and petitions, key components of developing each document, how to collect community evidence, engage stakeholders, and confidently present their concerns to government institutions and other duty bearers.

The women identified priority issues affecting their communities and worked together to develop advocacy priorities that reflect the realities faced by residents. In Joppa, participants highlighted the urgent need for a safe and durable bridge due to recurring flooding, which has disrupted access to healthcare facilities, schools, markets, and other essential services. The women raised concerns about the risks faced by community members during the rainy season, including a tragic incident where a 15-year-old child lost their life after being swept away by floodwaters.

In New Site, grassroots women identified the lack of adequate healthcare services, particularly the absence of a nearby hospital and maternity services, as a critical concern affecting women, children, and the wider community. Participants emphasized the need for improved access to maternal healthcare, trained health personnel, and essential medical services to prevent avoidable loss of lives.

The mentorship also strengthened women’s confidence to actively participate in decision-making processes and advocate for solutions to challenges affecting their communities. Participants were encouraged to work collectively, engage relevant stakeholders, and use peaceful advocacy approaches to ensure their voices are heard.

Through initiatives such as this, GVO continues to support women’s leadership, promote inclusive community participation, and strengthen the capacity of grassroots women to become effective advocates for social change.

“When women are empowered with knowledge and platforms to advocate, communities become stronger and more responsive to the needs of their people.