HER Lab mentorship forum empowers over 900 girls in West Pokot

West Pokot, Turkana, and Baragoli girls  rescued from FGM and early marriage undergo a mentorship training workshop with the support of Mastercard Foundation and the Global Give Back Circle through Her Lab Programme at Her Lab Vocational education centre Centre in Morpus, West Pokot County. [Jayne Rose gacheri/Standard]

In a powerful mentorship workshop held at the HER Lab Centre in Morpus, West Pokot, County, over 900 girls and young women from the County and beyond, gathered for a transformative day of sharing, learning, and empowerment.

Led by celebrated Kenyan entrepreneurs Wandia Gichuru of Vivo Fashion Group and Flora Mutahi of Melvin's Tea, the event marked a pivotal moment in the region’s push to uplift girls through mentorship and skills training.

Organised in partnership with the Global Give Back Circle and the Mastercard Foundation, the one-day forum was inspired by the book The Eight Qualities of a Wealthy Woman by Suze Orman. It brought together a diverse group of young women, many of whom are current or former HER Lab trainees to reflect on resilience, purpose, and economic independence.

"What we witnessed today is not just a workshop. It is the start of a movement," said Linda Lockhart, founder of the Global Give Back Circle, who connected with Wandia and Flora at the Forbes "50 Over 50" Awards in Abu Dhabi.

Participants engaged in breakout sessions facilitated by HER Lab alumni and interacted with a visiting delegation of 20 professionals from Europe, who shared personal stories of overcoming hardship to build meaningful careers.

HER Lab, founded to support girls escaping early marriage, FGM, and extreme poverty, offers practical training in electrical installation, plumbing, ICT, beauty therapy, agriculture, catering, and food production. The centre has become a lifeline for hundreds of young women seeking to rewrite their life stories.

Caroline Menach, the Principal St Elizabeth Educational Centre, and Director of HER Lab, said the event was the culmination of years of walking alongside the girls.

"Most of them were brought here after fleeing early marriage or family neglect. We've walked together through primary, secondary, and now vocational training," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Seeing them skilled, smiling, and hopeful is the best reward."

Discussions are ongoing with Mastercard Foundation and Global Give Back Circle to expand the curriculum to include media and creative production, a growing interest among many girls.

Stories of change

Among the many remarkable stories is that of Mary Okorot, a 33-year-old mother of seven and the first woman to train as a plumber at HER Lab. She now handles most of the centre's plumbing work.

"I used to depend entirely on my husband. Now I fix pipes, earn money, and teach my daughters that they too can thrive," she said proudly.

Janet Chelimo, an alumna and now a matron at the centre, said returning to serve the very institution that shaped her was a full-circle moment. "These girls see me and know that it’s possible to rise. I’m living proof," she said.

Beatrice Opot, a current agriculture trainee, hopes to start her agribusiness. "We are learning about sustainable farming and modern irrigation. I want to start a farm and train other girls."

The impact is also evident at home. One father, who once questioned the value of educating girls, said: "Today, my daughter earns more than I do from her tailoring business. She even teaches my other children to save. HER Lab has changed our family."

Another parent, a mother, her voice thick with emotion, added: "I gave birth to girls. Society saw that as a curse. But today, my daughters are empowered. HER Lab gave us dignity."

Mentorship as a Catalyst

Speaking at the event, Wandia Gichuru emphasised the power of women mentoring women. "We are not here to lecture. We are here to walk with you, to share what we have learned, and to tell you: you are enough."

Flora Mutahi echoed that message. "Mentorship is not charity—it’s a commitment to uplift each other. The world needs more women who dare to dream and do."

With plans to scale the mentorship model and continue nurturing leadership in West Pokot, HER Lab stands as a beacon of possibility in a region that for too long has underestimated its girls.

As the sun set on the hills of Morpus, the energy of the day lingered. For many, this was more than just an event. It was the first chapter of a story they now believe they have the power to write themselves.