About Us
Our Mission
To empower mothers and their daughters in Kenya by providing education and resources to normalize conversations around menstruation, ultimately breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering generational change.
Our Vision
A future where girls thrive with opportunities, transforming their lives and communities for generations to come.
Our Story
In 2006, Cindy Berkland, a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, embarked on her first trip to Kenya. Reflecting on the past 19 years, Cindy is hopeful her efforts have made a lasting impact.
With a career spanning private practice and leadership roles, including as Head Nurse of Obstetrics at Clarkson Hospital, Cindy has always been passionate about improving outcomes for mothers and their babies.
The Birth of a Maternity Center
Her first visit to Kenya in 2006 was an eye-opening experience. While working in the maternity department of a government hospital in Naivasha, she witnessed preventable deaths of mothers and babies due to a lack of education and resources.
She established “Friends of Naivasha,” an NGO that mobilized healthcare professionals and hospitals in Nebraska to construct a Comprehensive Maternity Center. The center opened in 2013 and helped significantly reduce infant and maternal mortality rates.
Over the years, Cindy continued to support Kenyan healthcare by introducing programs like "Helping Babies Breathe" and "Moyo Fetal Monitoring," ensuring high-tech interventions for vulnerable babies.
She realized that addressing teen pregnancies—a root cause of preterm births and poverty—required a broader focus.
Offering Education and Resources
With the rise in teen pregnancies (30% in Kenya) and their associated challenges, Cindy pivoted her efforts toward empowering girls and their mothers.
This led to the creation of “Empower Her Kenya,” a community-based organization that launched initiatives like reusable menstrual pad production to provide income for vulnerable women and resources for needy girls.
The project evolved to include educational days on menstrual and reproductive health, partnering with flower farms in Naivasha. These events bring mothers and daughters together for comprehensive education, fostering generational change.
Creating A Safe Haven for Mothers
Looking ahead, Cindy envisions building a home school for pregnant teens and teen moms—a safe space where they can continue their education, learn vocational skills, and break the cycle of poverty.
Cindy's journey is a testament to the power of determination and compassion in transforming lives and communities. As she continues to seek support and partnerships, her vision for breaking the cycle of poverty remains steadfast.
Our Work
Naivasha Women's Hospital
Helping Babies Breathe
Dignity 4 Daughters
The Women’s Hospital provides comprehensive reproductive health services, safe delivery care, and postpartum support. We’re committed to ensuring women in underserved communities have access to quality healthcare and the resources needed for healthy motherhood.
This life-saving initiative trains healthcare providers in neonatal resuscitation techniques, improving survival rates for newborns. By equipping clinics with essential skills and tools, we’re giving babies a stronger start in life.
Our pilot program focuses on keeping girls in school by providing menstrual hygiene products and education. Dignity 4 Daughters empowers young women with resources and knowledge, fostering confidence and reducing barriers to education.