Bar Hostess Empowerment and Support Programme (BHESP) is a women-led organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable women in Kenya. Founded in 1998 by a group of bar hostesses and sex workers, BHESP emerged to advocate for the dignity and rights of women often excluded from mainstream support systems.
BHESP serves bar hostesses, sex workers, women using drugs, those living in informal settlements, adolescent girls, and other vulnerable women. Grounded in feminist principles, the organization challenges societal norms that reinforce inequality and fights for justice for women who have been overlooked.
For over two decades, BHESP has tackled critical issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, limited access to healthcare (including HIV prevention and mental health support), and economic hardships. Through safe spaces and holistic programs, BHESP empowers women with the knowledge and tools to reclaim control over their lives.
The organization is a fearless advocate for systemic change, using strategic advocacy, community mobilization, and direct services to amplify women’s voices. By collaborating with grassroots networks, local communities, and international partners, BHESP drives policy changes, improves access to essential services, and combats stigma and discrimination.
BHESP nurtures leadership, self-reliance, and collective action, enabling women to become advocates for themselves and their communities. More than an organization, BHESP is a movement—a space where women unite to support one another, share experiences, and challenge oppression. BHESP serves approximately 60,000 vulnerable women.
Mission
BHESP’S Mission is to influence policy and facilitate access to quality health services and human rights for vulnerable women
Vision:
Vision is that of a society where inclusion and diversity of all women is upheld.
Core values
To effectively fulfill our mission and lead in championing the rights and dignity of sex workers, sexual minority women, women using drugs, and bar hostesses, BHESP is guided by the following core values:
- Excellence: We strive for the highest standards while providing our services . By continuously improving our services and working closely with the communities we serve, we develop local solutions to local challenges.
- Integrity: We operate with honesty, transparency, and truthfulness in all our actions
- Empowerment: We believe in equipping, not giving charity. By providing knowledge, skills, and information, we enable the women we support to become self-reliant and make informed decisions about their lives.
- Professionalism: We are committed to delivering quality services through a skilled team and strong partnerships with credible organizations.
- Non-Discrimination: We offer accurate, evidence-based, and well-presented information in a non-judgmental and empathetic manner, recognizing that the women we serve are the experts of their own experiences.
- Accountability: We remain responsible to the communities we support and to our donors, ensuring transparent reporting and the effective use of financial and non-financial resources to create a lasting impact.
Objectives
The following are the key objectives of BHESP:
• Mentor and guide emerging Women organizations in Kenya.
• Provide essential services and connections for vulnerable women.
• Strengthen and support Women movements locally and globally.
• Advocate for justice and the well-being of all vulnerable women.
