Young Women’s Leadership Institute (YWLI) was set up in May 1999 by a group of young women who attended the African Women’s Leadership Institute (AWLI) organised by Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA) and the Federation of Women Lawyers, Kenya. It was registered in Kenya as a Trust in December 2002. It was formed to address the intergenerational gap in the women’s movement as there was an absence of young women in the movement and especially in leadership positions. It was also formed to address the absence of young women’s voices in leadership at all spheres.

YWLI’s Broad Objectives

1.   To be a catalyst for change in ensuring young women’s participation in social movements and social justice processes.
2. To defend, voice, advocate, and be a resource on young women’s issues.
3. To celebrate, catalyse, and energise feminist movements.

Mission Statement

YWLI nurtures young women’s leadership, creates and opens spaces for young women’s engagement in policy processes.

Vision Statement

YWLI envisions a society that enables the full development and self actualisation of young women.

Values Statement /Guiding Principles

YWLI adopts the Charter of Feminist Principles for African Feminists as a guiding framework and symbol of YWLI’s collective values. This Charter informs the organization’s ways of working, re-affirms YWLI’s commitment to dismantling patriarchy and its manifestations, and serves as a reminder to the duty to defend and respect the rights of all women unreservedly. See link for African Feminist Charter or visit www.africanfeministforum.org / www.awdf.org

YWLI has the following main programmes:

1. Leadership Development
2. Sexuality and masculinities
3. Movement Building

YWLI also engages on issues emerging from contemporary social justice concerns such as what we call ‘The Aftermath’.