Gpende
Who We Are
Polycom Girls (also known as Polycom Development Project) is a Pan-African feminist, women-led NGO based in Kenya, founded in 2004. It began in response to high rates of sexual violence, exploitation, and harassment faced by girls and women in Kibera (Nairobi's largest informal settlement) and has since expanded to areas like Homa Bay County and beyond. The organization's core mission focuses on empowering and transforming girls and women through building self-worth (centered on their "G-PENDE" philosophy, meaning "love yourself"), providing protection, skills, leadership opportunities, and advocacy to challenge gender inequalities. It works with schools, communities, and out-of-school groups to reach adolescent girls and young women.
Our Vision
A society of empowered girls and women who are effectively contributing to the development of their communities.
Our Mission
To sustainably mobilize, consolidate and amplify voices of women and girls in their diversity through collaborative activities that influence sustainable positive change/policy on issues that affect their lives.
Core Values
Self-Love (G-PENDE), Collaboration, Inclusivity, Empowerment,Accountability
Focus Areas
What We Do
Education and Life Skills Mentoring
- They mentor thousands of girls annually (over 3,000 in some reports) on sexual reproductive health, life skills, decision-making, and critical thinking. This helps girls stay in school, avoid early pregnancies or exploitation, and make informed choices.
Protection from Violence and Safe Reporting
- Initiatives include installing “Talking Boxes” in schools for anonymous reporting of abuse, responding to issues raised, and creating safe spaces. They also run programs to challenge harmful norms, promote reporting of sexual harassment, and advocate for safer environments.
Leadership and Voice Amplification
- Various programs empower girls and young women (aged 15–24) to take on leadership roles, influence decision-making at community, national, and global levels (including UN advocacy), and transform gender norms. Through assemblies, holiday forums, mentorship, and storytelling initiatives (e.g., partnering with Room to Read on “She Creates Change” using video series to showcase resilience and inspire leadership).
Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship
- Training in practical skills like soap making, sanitary pad production, and other vocational areas promotes self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and income generation. This supports dignity during menstruation, hygiene, and economic independence for women and young mothers, aligning with SDGs on gender equality, health, and sanitation.
Sports and Holistic Development
- The G-Pende sports program uses sports to promote peace, unity, self-confidence, and ambition among girls, providing safe spaces to build potential and reduce barriers.
Advocacy and Community Transformation
- We amplify girls’ and women’s voices through policy influence, community dialogues, campaigns against issues like FGM. This creates broader societal change by shifting norms and encouraging men/boys’ involvement.