Dandelion Africa
Dandelion Africa
Broader Sectors
- Human Rights - Idajo/Justice
- Health - Afya/Health
- Livelihoods - Lokumu/Dignity
Demographic Focus
- Women and Girls
- Rural Communities
- People with Disabilities
Cohort: 02
- East Africa
- Kenya
Dandelion Africa is a grassroots innovator on a mission to improve the health and economic well being of youth and women living in marginalized and rural communities in Kenya. Founded on a model of community ownership, they take an innovative approach to community outreach that includes representative community governance across all demographics. This community-led approach has lead to system-shifting impacts in rural and traditionally conservative communities, including reduction in FGM, increased systems of support for survivors of gender-based violence, and expansion in women’s access to reproductive health services.
Partner Impact
Leadership Highlight
Wendo Aszed
Wendo was inspired to start Dandelion Africa after experiencing the death of her best friend through HIV-related complications. Her vision is to partner with the most marginalised groups in society, women and youth, giving them economic and skills-based training. Wendo is a dynamic speaker, writer, and recently endowed member of the 2019 class of New Voices Fellows at the Aspen Institute.
Everyday I live in awe of how powerful, hardworking and resilient women are. I aspire to see more women and girls tapping into their power and using their voices to change social norms that hinder them from realizing their full potential. My greatest hope is for our communities to embrace the untapped resource - that is women - for a sustainable future.
