Moonlight Initiative
Moonlight Initiative by Wendy Omanga
The partnership between Moonlight Initiative, led by climate change advocate Wendy Omanga, and Ubinti represents a powerful convergence of environmental advocacy and women’s empowerment. Together, they are addressing period poverty while promoting holistic community development in Kenya’s rural regions.
Moonlight Initiative is dedicated to environmental conservation and community empowerment through sustainable forestry practices. With an ambitious goal to plant and inspire community action to plant 10,000,000 trees over the next 10 years, the organization bridges climate action with social development, particularly focusing on women and youth empowerment.
Core Focus Areas
Environmental Conservation
Bamboo & Riparian Land Restoration: Flagship projects along River Nyando in Kisumu County and other water towers including Mount Kenya, Mount Elgon, and Aberdare ranges
Forest Conservation: Afforestation and reforestation initiatives across Kenya
Climate Change Mitigation: Reducing soil erosion, silting, and protecting communities from climate- related disasters
Sustainable Housing: Promoting bamboo as an eco-friendly building material and alternative housing
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Social Impact Programs
Water & Sanitation: Addressing period poverty to keep girls in school
Community Empowerment: Engaging local communities through forest associations and collaborative conservation efforts
Youth & Women Development: Creating economic opportunities through sustainable bamboo value chains
Education & Mentorship: Inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards
The Nilishe Charity Event – Sagana, Kirinyaga County
In December 2024, this partnership came to life through the Nilishe Charity Event (meaning “feed me” in Swahili) in Sagana, Kirinyaga County. The initiative went beyond basic humanitarian aid to create lasting impact for underprivileged girls and families.
Key Components:
Distribution of meals to address food insecurity
Sanitary care packs to combat period poverty and keep girls in schoolClothing donations for vulnerable community members
Mentorship sessions led by Wendy Omanga on environmental advocacy and personal empowerment
A Holistic Approach to Empowerment
What distinguishes this partnership is its integrated approach. Wendy Omanga, known for her work with Moonlight Initiative on environmental conservation and bamboo planting along River Nyando, brings a unique perspective that connects climate action with girl-child empowerment.
During the event, she emphasized that environmental stewardship begins with self-care and dignity:
“When a girl is nourished, she becomes unstoppable for herself, her family, and her community.”
Ubinti’s Role
Ubinti, dedicated to ending period poverty through sustainable sanitary product provision, supplied essential sanitary care packs that ensure girls can attend school without interruption. This addresses one of the primary barriers to girls’ education in rural Kenya, where lack of menstrual hygiene products causes many girls to miss school days or drop out entirely.
Shared Vision
Both organizations recognize that true empowerment requires addressing multiple intersecting challenges. By combining Moonlight Initiative’s environmental and community development expertise with Ubinti’s focus on menstrual health and dignity, the partnership creates comprehensive support for girls and women in underserved communities.
The Nilishe Charity Event demonstrates that sustainability encompasses not just environmental conservation, but also social sustainability—ensuring girls have the resources, knowledge, and dignity needed to thrive.
Impact and Future
This partnership in Sagana serves as a model for holistic community empowerment, proving that when organizations align their complementary missions, they amplify impact. Through continued collaboration on initiatives like Nilishe, Moonlight Initiative and Ubinti are building a future where girls in rural Kenya can access education, maintain their dignity, and become environmental stewards in their own right.