POLYCOM GIRLS

• About Us

Polycom Girls, formerly known as the Polycom Development Project, is a Pan-African feminist, women-led Non-Governmental Organization based in Kenya. Established in 2004, the organization was founded to respond to the alarming sexual violence incidents and severe exploitations and harassment faced by girls and women in Kibera, the largest informal settlement in sub-saharan Africa. Polycom Girls is registered under the NGO Board in compliance with Section 12 of the Non-Governmental Organizations Coordination Act. For the past two decades, Polycom Girls has fostered trusting relationships with the community, schools, churches, health care service providers, emergency response agencies, goodwill ambassadors, law enforcement authorities, local administration, and duty bearers, allowing for the integration of complex issues such as social injustices, child protection, gender-based violence (GBV), and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) into their work and programming. The core of Polycom Girls’ mission is encapsulated in the Swahili word “G-PENDE,” which translates to “self-love.” By promoting self-worth and appreciation among girls and women of all diversities, the organization aims to bridge the gap between local realities and regional/ global processes and decisions. Over the past 19 years, Polycom Girls has collaborated with women’s rights organizations, civil societies, governments, and the private sector. Together, they have developed strategies, formed partnerships, implemented programs, and engaged in community and policy dialogues to advance gender equality and inclusivity across Nairobi County and Kenya as a whole. Their tireless efforts contribute to a more equitable and empowered society. We continue to accelerate our work through partnerships with alliances, consortiums, and networks within women’s rights organizations, civil societies, local and national governments, and the private sectors towards advancing gender equality and women empowerment.