A New Chapter: Becoming a Trustee of WENDO

I am delighted to share that I have joined the Board of Trustees at WENDO, a women-led, UK-based charity dedicated to empowering women and girls, particularly in Kenya.

WENDO focuses on providing tools, skills and support to help women overcome challenges and build better futures for themselves and their communities. How could I not become part of an organisation that offers that!

When I first learned about WENDO (Women Empowerment Networking and Development Organisation), I was struck by the depth of their mission, not just to provide aid, but to create sustainable, long-lasting change for women and girls in Kenya.

When the opportunity arose to join as a Trustee, I knew it was a chance to be part of something truly transformative. I said "Yes" After prayer and reflection!

Why Did I Become A Trustee of WENDO?

I've been blessed to work with a number of incredible charities, non-profits and community groups over the years. As CEO of P45 Consultancy, we continue to work with many of them to this day.

Charities come in many forms, shapes and sizes, but I think what sets WENDO apart and what really appealed to me, is its holistic approach to empowerment.

It’s not just about short-term fixes; it’s about equipping women with the resources and confidence to lead their communities forward.

If you're not familiar with them, here’s a just a glimpse of what WENDO does:

• Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH): Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation in rural areas, which is fundamental to health and dignity.

• Maternal and Child Health: Strengthening community-based healthcare and supporting women’s reproductive rights.

• Girls’ Education: Removing financial and social barriers to schooling through scholarships, mentorship and advocacy.

• Food Security and Livelihoods: Providing vocational training and sustainable farming techniques to help women achieve economic independence.

By addressing these interconnected issues, WENDO doesn’t just change individual lives, it reshapes entire communities.

My First Impressions as a Trustee

Even just a few months in, stepping into this new role has been both humbling and inspiring.

The dedication of the team, from the staff on the ground in Kenya to the trustees and volunteers here in the UK, is truly remarkable.

There’s a shared belief that empowering women is the key to societal progress and every decision is made with that principle in mind. I think that's something we can all get behind.

One of the first things that struck me was WENDO’s collaborative spirit; a quality I work hard to infuse into the DNA of P45 Consultancy also.

The charity works closely with local organisations, government agencies and international partners to ensure their programs are culturally relevant and sustainable. This isn’t a top-down approach; it’s about listening to the women they serve and co-creating solutions.

The Road Ahead

As a new trustee, my role is to support, strategise and amplify WENDO’s impact. That means I'll be bringing my 20+ years of marketing experience into:

• Helping shape long-term goals

• Ensuring financial sustainability

• Advocating for the charity’s mission

• Connecting with donors and partners

I’m so pleased to be a part of WENDO’s vision for the foreseeable future, which includes expanding their WASH programs, increasing access to education for girls, scaling livelihood initiatives and helping increase their online presence.

I come into this role with my eyes fully open. With the geo-political turmoil we're going through right now, I know the challenges we'll face are real. This is not to mention systemic inequality, climate change and economic instability that all play a role, but so is our determination to overcome them.

How You Can Get Involved

WENDO’s work is only possible because of the generosity of our supporters. Whether you’re an individual donor, a corporate partner or someone who wants to volunteer your skills, there are many ways to contribute:

• Donate: Even a small amount can fund school supplies, clean water projects or maternal health services.

• Fundraise: Host an event, run a marathon, or start a workplace giving initiative.

• Spread the Word: Follow WENDO on social media, share their stories and help raise awareness.

If you’d like to learn more about the work they do, visit wendo.org.uk

Final Thoughts

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." - Proverbs 31:8-9

For me, joining WENDO’s Board of Trustees is more than just a title, it’s a commitment to something I believe at my core, a movement that believes in the power of women to change the world.

I’ve already seen first-hand how their programs create ripples of change, from a girl who now dreams of becoming a doctor to a mother who can feed her family because of agricultural training.

This is just the beginning of my journey with WENDO and I can’t wait to see what we achieve together. I'll be sure to keep you informed about where it takes us.

If you’re passionate about gender equality and sustainable development, I encourage you to get involved too. Because when women thrive, everyone benefits! #BelieveInSuccess

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For more information about WENDO and how you can support our initiatives going forward, please visit wendo.org.uk