Health and economic development strategy organization -Hedso

04/06/2026

BYTES OF CHANGE – X-CHAT SERIES

The internet should be a place of opportunity, connection, and empowerment for everyone. Yet, women and persons with disabilities continue to face unique online risks that threaten their safety, privacy, and participation in digital spaces.

Join us for an engaging conversation on "Online Safety for Women and Persons with Disabilities" as we explore practical ways to stay safe online, protect personal information, combat cyber harassment, and create more inclusive digital communities.

Date: 5th June 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Together, let's build safer and more inclusive online spaces where everyone can thrive.

04/06/2026

What if every football match became an opportunity to protect girls and women online?

Through the HEDSO Bytes of Change Initiative, we are harnessing the power of soccer to empower girls and young women with critical digital safety skills. As they play, learn, and lead on the field, participants also gain knowledge on online privacy, cyberbullying prevention, digital rights, responsible social media use, and protection from technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).

In today's digital world, empowerment goes beyond the football pitch. Every girl deserves the confidence to navigate online spaces safely, speak out against digital abuse, and access opportunities without fear.

Together, we are building a generation of digitally safe, confident, and empowered girls and women who can thrive both online and offline.

💙 Join us in creating safer digital spaces for all.
🤝 Partners and supporters are welcome to collaborate in expanding this impact.

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

02/06/2026

Today, under the Bytes of Change Project, we visited the The National Gender and Equality Commission-Kenya offices for an engaging podcast discussion on women’s participation in politics and the growing challenge of online harassment targeting women leaders and aspiring politicians.

The conversation highlighted how digital platforms can both empower and silence women in leadership, exploring the impact of cyberbullying, misinformation, hate speech, and gender-based online violence. The session also emphasized the importance of creating safe digital spaces, strengthening online protection mechanisms, and encouraging more women to actively participate in governance and decision-making processes without fear of intimidation. The podcast forms part of our ongoing efforts to promote digital safety, inclusion, and gender equality in the digital space.

01/06/2026

Today, we join all Kenyans in celebrating Madaraka Day, a historic moment that marks our nation's journey towards self-governance, freedom, and determination to build a just and prosperous society.

As we commemorate this important day, we are reminded that true freedom is not only about political independence but also about ensuring that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, education, economic opportunities, and a life free from violence, discrimination, and poverty.

At Health and Economic Development Strategy Organization (HEDSO), we remain committed to empowering adolescent girls and young women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities through integrated health and wellbeing, economic empowerment, climate resilience, and inclusive governance.

This Madaraka Day, let us renew our collective commitment to building a Kenya where:
✅ Every girl can stay in school and realize her dreams.
✅ Every young person has access to opportunities and decent livelihoods.
✅ Every community is resilient, healthy, and inclusive.
✅ Every voice is heard and valued in shaping our future.

Together, we can create a stronger, healthier, and more equitable Kenya for all.

Happy Madaraka Day!
"Madaraka Yetu, Wajibu Wetu – Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives."

31/05/2026

❓Did you know that many girls in Kenya miss school every month simply because they cannot manage their periods safely and with dignity?

According to global estimates, 1 in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses school during menstruation due to lack of sanitary products, inadequate facilities, and persistent stigma surrounding menstrual health. These barriers contribute to poor academic performance, reduced confidence, and increased risk of school dropout.

At HEDSO, we believe that menstruation should never be a barrier to education, health, or opportunity.
Through the FLOW SAFE Campaign (Fostering Learning, Ownership & Wellbeing – Sexual & Menstrual Awareness for Feminine Empowerment), we are empowering adolescent girls with comprehensive menstrual hygiene and sexual reproductive health information, dignity kits, mentorship, and safe spaces while engaging boys as champions for menstrual dignity and gender equality.

Our goal is to reach 2,500 adolescent girls and 500 boys in vulnerable communities across Kisumu and Homa Bay Counties, ensuring that every girl has the knowledge, confidence, and support she needs to stay in school and thrive.
Because every girl deserves to say:
💜 My Flow, My Power
💜 Flow Safe, Stay in School
Join us in this journey to make her achieve her dreams.
ZanaAfrica Center for Reproductive Rights Population Council Nyanza Initiative for Girls’ Education & Empowerment - NIGEE Segal Family Foundation

30/05/2026

Strengthening humanitarian response through knowledge, collaboration, and accountability.

On 28th May 2026, HEDSO participated in the Common Pipeline Training organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nairobi under the project Response for Evidence-Driven Scaling of Emergency Shelter and NFIs in Kenya, funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid.

The training brought together key humanitarian actors to strengthen emergency shelter coordination, accountability to affected populations, and community feedback systems. Through interactive sessions on Common Pipeline mechanisms, stakeholder coordination, online dashboards, and Community Feedback Mechanisms (CFM), participants gained valuable insights to improve emergency preparedness and response.

At HEDSO, we remain committed to learning, collaboration, and adopting evidence-driven approaches that ensure communities affected by crises receive timely, accountable, and effective support.

29/05/2026

Building stronger communities through collaboration

Today, HEDSO hosted a consultative meeting with the MCA for South East Alego Ward at the HEDSO office to explore strategic partnerships aimed at empowering adolescents and young people within the community.

The discussions focused on:
School mentorship programs
Menstrual hygiene management through the
Recruitment of male champions for menstrual health advocacy
Using football as a tool for youth engagement and mentorship
Strengthening partnerships with schools, health facilities, and vocational training centers

Together, we are working towards creating safe, informed, and empowered communities where young people can thrive and overcome social challenges affecting their future.