Breaking Barriers, Amplifying Voices: Michel’s Journey Inspiring Inclusion
Michel Maria Omondi
In the heart of Kondele slums in Kisumu County, Michel Maria Omondi’s story speaks volumes about resilience, empowerment, and the transformative potential of inclusion. Michel, 25, stands as a beacon of hope within the USAID 4TheChild project, using her inspiring journey, advocacy and leadership skills to champion the cause of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW).
Michel’s involvement with the USAID-funded project – implemented by the AMPATH partner Moi University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS) – which aims to increase access and demand to quality HIV prevention services by AGYW in Kisumu County was born out of personal adversity. Surviving gender-based violence, she sought solace and support within the USAID 4TheChild project’s Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) initiative.
“Mama Sisi Safe Space in Kondele Ward became my sanctuary, not only fostering my healing and empowerment, but also fostering profound connections with fellow young women facing similar challenges,” said Michel.
Driven by her own transformative experience, Michel’s passion for helping others blossomed. Transitioning from a DREAMS beneficiary to a volunteer mentor was a natural progression as part of her commitment to give back to her community.
“In addition to individual mentorship, I recognized a fundamental need for AGYW voices to be not just heard, but amplified in the decision-making processes shaping their lives,” she added.
Hence, Michel joined the USAID 4TheChild AGYW Advisory Council, established in 2021 to promote meaningful representation and involvement of beneficiaries in project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and facilitate feedback between the project and beneficiaries. The council includes 22 AGYW between 15 and 24 years old.
Leveraging her innate leadership qualities and deep-rooted empathy, Michel emerged as a driving force in the AGYW Advisory Council where she was elected the Chair. Leading by example, she mobilized her fellow AGYW representatives from the 20 target wards, weaving a rich tapestry of diverse voices and experiences into the fabric of the council.
Michel’s leadership was characterized by her unwavering dedication to effecting real change at the grassroots level. From the bustling streets of Kondele to the rural landscapes of Ahero, she tirelessly advocated for the rights and well-being of AGYW.
“Some of my days were a whirlwind of activity—monitoring service provisions, gathering feedback, organizing meetings, and advocating for the needs of the community,” Michel continued.
Under Michel’s guidance, the AGYW Advisory Council became a catalyst for innovation and empowerment. Proposing bold initiatives such as playgroup services for AGYW’s children within the safe spaces and comprehensive sexual education approaches, Michel and her peers continue to contribute to the gender empowerment landscape in Kisumu County.
Yet, Michel’s greatest legacy lies not solely in the policies and initiatives she champions, but in the lives she touches and the dreams she inspires. From a young girl in Kondele to the seasoned activists in Ahero, Michel’s story is a testament to the transformative power of inclusion, representation, and the indomitable spirit of women determined to shape their own destinies.
Michel Maria Omondi stands tall—a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of one woman’s journey to inspire change. And in her footsteps, a generation of AGYW rises, emboldened by her example, empowered by her legacy, and united in their shared vision of a determined, resilient, empowered, AIDS-free, mentored, and safe life.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme of “Inspire Inclusion,” the USAID 4TheChild’s DREAMS initiative exemplifies the transformative impact of inclusivity. As of September 2023, the project served 14,950 active AGYW, reaching 89 percent with evidence-based interventions. In addition, 11,905 girls successfully graduated after completing age-appropriate layered interventions. The project empowers AGYW by engaging 139 former DREAMS beneficiaries in pivotal roles, from staff to mentors, ambassadors, and representatives, embodying true inclusion. This initiative not only transforms individual lives but propels the collective force of women, inspiring a future where inclusion is a lived reality.
