By Shem Oluchiri.

In the heart of Meru County, Kenya, a quiet revolution is reshaping church leadership. One sermon, one decision, one courageous woman at a time.

For generations, women in the National Independent Church of Africa (NICA) faithfully served their communities, teaching, counseling, and nurturing spiritual life yet rarely held positions of leadership. But today, that story is changing.

“Before YW4A, I never imagined leading in church,” says one woman leader, now a regular preacher and mentor in her congregation.

Through the Young Women for Awareness, Agency, Advocacy and Accountability (YW4A) program, women in faith spaces are being equipped not only to serve, but to lead. Supported by NICA Church leadership, the YW4A initiative has become a catalyst for fulfilling Kenya’s Two-Thirds Gender Rule, a constitutional mandate for no more than two-thirds of leadership positions in public bodies to be held by one gender.

And this movement is not just symbolic, it’s systemic.

Today, women within NICA are counseling congregants, co-preaching with male clergy, and sitting at decision-making tables in church boards that were once male-dominated. Their voices are shaping liturgy, pastoral priorities, and the future of their faith communities.

“The church is a space of justice,” shares the Bishop of NICA Meru, Cyrus Mugoh.
“Women’s leadership is not only biblical, but also essential. YW4A helped us make this shift.”

Faith, justice, and gender equity are converging in powerful ways. What began as a training and advocacy program has blossomed into a transformation of hearts, structures, and traditions.

From the pews to the pulpit, women are rising, and faith is rising with them.

Young Women for Awareness, Agency, Advocacy and Accountability (YW4A) : Advancing Women’s Leadership. Strengthening Gender Justice. Building Faith Future.

We thank our partners, donors, and community leaders for standing with us on this bold journey of faith and equity.