In Kenya’s Kwale County, budget decisions are often made without the voices of the women most affected by them. With support from the WYDE Accountability Hub seed grant and mentorship, Mbodze Mealii Swazuri launched Young Women At The Table, a grassroots initiative empowering young women to shape public budgets that reflect their realities.
“When young women have a seat at the table, policy changes. Communities change.”
Mealli’s project trained ten young women to become budget advocates in gender-responsive budgeting, budget analysis, and public participation. These advocates helped mobilise others in the community to take part in county public consultations, resulting in the submission of the first-ever Young Women’s Budget Memorandum in their ward.
“We now understand the county’s budget cycle. We’re more confident, informed, and able to engage with political leaders—and to push for change.”
Their work is already having ripple effects: more young women are participating in civic forums, and local officials have pledged ongoing support. What began as an idea supported by a seed grant and mentorship is now sparking a wider movement. Mealii’s work empowers young women who are now ready to lead, lobby, and demand better public services.
