Stowelink Foundation is proud to highlight the participation of our Mental Health Lead, Naila Chebet Koech, in the Women in Global Health (WGH) – Kenya Storytelling Workshop. This inspiring three-day training, organized by WGH Kenya, explored the transformative power of storytelling as a tool for advocacy, empowerment, and social change.

Held in Nairobi, the workshop brought together women leaders from across the health sector to learn how to craft and share impactful stories especially those that remain untold or are considered sensitive in many communities.

Exploring the Heart of Advocacy through Storytelling

The training offered a deep dive into storytelling as an advocacy tool, helping participants explore how personal and community narratives can drive meaningful policy and social transformation.

Key areas covered during the workshop included:

• The ABCDE Storytelling Framework – a practical structure for building strong, coherent narratives
• Structuring powerful advocacy stories to inspire specific action
• Adapting stories for different audiences and platforms (social media, policy briefs, public talks, etc.)
• The Dos and Don’ts of storytelling – ensuring stories are ethical, empowering, and impactful

According to Naila, one of the most powerful aspects of the training was learning how to tell stories that center dignity, voice and agency especially when discussing issues like mental health, gender equity or stigma.

About Women in Global Health

Women in Global Health (WGH) was founded in 2015 by four early-career women determined to challenge gender inequities in the global health workforce. Since then, it has grown into a powerful global movement, with over 64 chapters worldwide, comprising nurses, doctors, midwives, researchers, policymakers, and advocates working together to advance gender equity in health.

The WGH Kenya Chapter was launched in 2022 by Catherine Menganyi and fellow co-founders, and is committed to “challenging power and privilege for gender equity in health” within Kenya’s health systems.

A Moment of Gratitude and Growth

Naila expressed her sincere gratitude to James Gendi, the workshop facilitator, whose guidance and practical insights helped bring the concepts of advocacy storytelling to life.

“This workshop gave me tools not only to speak but to move people to act. I now feel even more confident in using storytelling to address stigma around mental health and advocate for policy change,” Naila shared.

She also thanked the entire Women in Global Health – Kenya team for curating an empowering and safe space for learning and growth.

Looking Ahead: Storytelling for Health Impact

As Stowelink’s Mental Health Lead, Naila is excited to apply these skills in ongoing and future projects whether by shaping narratives that destigmatize mental illness, amplifying community voices or advocating for inclusive health policies. Storytelling will play a crucial role in humanizing the data, elevating lived experiences, and building emotional connection in public health work.

At Stowelink Foundation, we believe that stories can spark revolutions in how we understand, treat and talk about health especially when told with empathy, accuracy and purpose.

We celebrate Naila for her continued commitment to advocacy and for bringing back tools that will enhance how we communicate, engage and inspire change across the communities we serve.

Every story matters. Let’s use our voices to build a healthier, more equitable future.