Who We Are
Mvaha wa Chiche (My Little Sister) is an East African initiative dedicated to raising the next generation of women leaders in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) by empowering girls from underserved coastal communities.
Our work begins in the humble villages of Kilifi and Zanzibar, in the beautiful Pwani (coastal) region, where girls face multiple barriers to education, especially in technical fields. Indigenous Pwani girls often experience economic, social, and political marginalization, limiting their access to and success in STEM opportunities.
We are committed to dismantling these barriers by equipping girls across the Pwani region with both technical and leadership skills. Through our three core pillars, Advocacy, Education, and Mentorship, we prepare them to lead the next generation of innovation, just as one would their younger sister.
Economic Barriers
Economic hardship often forces girls to leave school in order to support their families. This can lead to early marriages or engagement in informal and high-risk income activities. As a result, many girls face increased vulnerability to health challenges, including higher rates of HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy.
Social Barriers
Societal norms, combined with economic pressures, can discourage girls from pursuing STEM fields such as engineering, mathematics, science, and computing. This contributes to the continued underrepresentation of women’s voices in Africa’s technical and innovation spaces.
Gender-Based Barriers
Gender-based violence and limited protection systems expose many girls to physical, emotional, and psychological trauma, which can affect their confidence and long-term aspirations. In addition, limited community awareness and education around gender issues remains a significant challenge.
Socio-Political Barriers
The continued marginalization of coastal communities, along with limited access to opportunities and resources, creates systemic barriers for many families. These regions remain underserved, particularly in access to quality STEM education and women’s healthcare.