Youth and Women Empowerment (YOWE) Project (2026)

The Youth and Women Empowerment (YOWE) project is a community-led initiative through which Lamu Outreach Youth Agenda (LOYA) will strengthen resilience against violent extremism among youth and women in Mkunumbi and Bahari Wards of Lamu West Sub-County. Building on our strong community presence, LOYA will address the root causes of radicalization—including unemployment, social exclusion, trauma, and limited civic participation—through awareness, mentorship, psychosocial support, leadership development, and economic empowerment.

Working closely with government institutions, community leaders, civil society organizations, and security actors, LOYA will promote trust, social cohesion, and community participation in preventing violent extremism. The project will create safe spaces for dialogue, strengthen community–police relations, and empower youth and women with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to become positive agents of peace and development.

Through this initiative, LOYA aims to build stronger, more resilient communities where vulnerable young people are protected from extremist influence, women play a greater role in peacebuilding, and local communities actively contribute to sustainable peace and inclusive development in Lamu County.