institutional capacity building for hfaw staff

Institutional Capacity Building for HFAW Staff

The Hope Foundation for African Women (HFAW) is a grassroots, women-led organization dedicated to ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and socio-economic empowerment of women and girls in marginalized communities in Kenya. HFAW prioritizes capacity building of its team.

In 2023, with financial support from the French Embassy through the PISSCA initiative, HFAW conducted a transformative institutional capacity-building program in collaboration with SHAMA Consult Africa. The initiative sought to enhance internal systems, boost staff competencies, and position the organization for long-term impact and sustainability.

Over a two-week period, HFAW staff, board members, and grassroots volunteers participated in expert-led training sessions covering key areas such as strategic planning, financial management, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and gender-responsive programming. These sessions, facilitated by SHAMA Consult Africa, combined theoretical input with practical exercises and peer-to-peer learning for optimal knowledge transfer.

Project Objectives

The main goal of this training was to strengthen HFAW’s institutional capacity for effective, transparent, and professional delivery of gender-responsive programs.

• Strengthen internal governance and policy frameworks
• Build staff competencies in program design, M&E, and advocacy
• Upgrade digital and administrative infrastructure
• Promote transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance
• Improve reporting, communication, and donor engagement

Key Activities Implemented

• Review and update of key policy documents aligned with national standards and international best practices: Human Resource Policy Manual, Finance and Procurement Manual, Resource Mobilization Policy, Communication Policy, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Framework, Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

• Project Cycle and Results-Based Management
• Financial reporting and donor compliance
• Gender mainstreaming and inclusive programming
• Digital literacy and data management

• Development of a comprehensive M&E framework and tools
• Introduction of quarterly reporting templates and dashboards for real-time tracking
• Enhanced documentation systems to support transparency and learning

• Revamped website and digital platforms to enhance outreach and credibility
• Production of organizational profiles, project briefs, and impact stories
• Participation in national and international advocacy events (e.g., International Day of the Girl Child, 16 Days of Activism, Climate Adaptation Forums)

Impact on HFAW’s Program Delivery

• Improved Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and standardized procedures have boosted program coordination and execution.
• Enhanced Donor Confidence: Timely, well-documented reporting and financial accountability have increased donor trust.
• Expanded Community Reach: With better systems, HFAW now delivers integrated services to more communities in different counties in Kenya.
• Empowered Workforce: Staff morale has improved through structured growth pathways and enhanced clarity in roles.

Sustainability and Next Steps

• Develop and implement an annual capacity-building calendar for staff and board
• Fully digitize program and administrative systems to enhance transparency
• Apply the M&E framework across all thematic areas including climate resilience, GBV, and SRHR
• Institutionalize a partnership and donor engagement strategy
• Launch a Resource Mobilization Strategy to diversify funding and expand impact

HFAW expresses sincere gratitude to the French Embassy in Kenya for their steadfast support through the PISSCA initiative. This investment has equipped the organization with the skills, tools, and frameworks needed to advance our mission and create lasting change in the lives of women and girls across Kenya.