Maisha’s Blueprint: Empowering through Health Education

For nearly three decades, Maisha – African Women in Germany e.V. has been at the forefront of promoting healthy living within the African community.

Founded by the visionary Kenyan-born Virginia Wangare Greiner in 1996, the Frankfurt-based non-profit organisation provides support on issues such as integration, asylum, German language acquisition, entrepreneurship, psychosocial and health concerns, education and family challenges.

What sets Maisha apart among similar African organisations in Germany is its unwavering focus on health — not merely as the absence of illness, but as a holistic state of mental, physical and social wellbeing.

From addressing culturally sensitive topics like female genital mutilation (FGM) and sexually transmitted diseases, to championing mental health, conscious nutrition and active living, Maisha’s work promotes awareness and empowers African communities to lead healthier lives.

Active locally as well as on national, European and international levels, the organisation regularly hosts workshops, seminars and conferences. It also runs awareness campaigns that challenge stigma, foster dialogue and inspire action.

Over the past two decades, Maisha has conducted ground-breaking research and published studies that offer profound insights into the lived experiences of African families.

In an exclusive series beginning next week, The African Courier will explore Maisha’s most impactful health-related publications. Through these articles, we aim to share vital knowledge, spark essential conversations and broaden access to transformative information.

This is more than a spotlight on an organisation — it is an invitation to witness how African initiatives are shaping their own narratives of empowerment and resilience within their communities.

Stay tuned!

Femi Awoniyi