Merceline Odhiambo

Merceline is the visionary Founder of Grassroot Women and Politics Community-Based Organization (https://grassrootwomen.org). Her organization is dedicated to empowering and training young widows, those living with HIV/AIDS and with invisible disabilities on Political Awareness, Financial Literacy, Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights and Peace & Conflict Resolution in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay- Kenya. As a fervent Gender Equality Advocate and Women's Political Leadership enthusiast, Merceline brings a wealth of experience and a results-oriented approach to her work. She is deeply committed to advancing gender equality and women's empowerment. Her impressive track record includes spearheading program development and implementation, championing the rights of women and adolescents, and bridging the gap in women’s participation and inclusion in decision-making processes.

Merceline holds a Bachelor of Arts (Double Major) in Political Science & Public Administration and Sociology, with a minor in Peace & Conflict Resolution studies from the University of Nairobi. Currently, she is pursuing an MSc in Global Leadership and Peacebuilding at King’s College London and is on the ALC’s Fellowship Programme for African Women in Leadership and Peacebuilding.

Merceline's dedication to leadership and governance extends to her participation in several esteemed programs, including the Political Leadership & Governance Programme by Freidrich-Ebert Stiftung (FES), Kenya Leadership and Accountability Program by the International Republican Institute (IRI), Capacity Building Program by Sauti Kenya, Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program by Pan-African Women Entrepreneurship Network (PAWEN), Women in Political Participation by Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Women Gaining Ground by Akili Dada, and Supporting Accountability Mechanisms for Youth Inclusion by the International Republican Institute.

Beyond leading her organization's impactful work, Merceline serves as a board member of Digital Opportunity Trust – Kenya and an active member of the Women Democracy Network. She holds the esteemed title of Homa Bay Global Peace Ambassador under the Global Peace Foundation and appointed Homa Bay Youth Senator.