Blog Archives - CREAW KENYA

Fifteen percent of adolescents in Kenya become pregnant before the age of 19, according to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS). The survey further shows that 59% of married and 42% of unmarried sexually active girls aged 15–19 do not use any form of contraception. These figures underscore the persistent barriers, ranging from misinformation and stigma to limited availability of youth-friendly services, that continue to deny young people their reproductive rights.

It is against this backdrop that CREAW, in partnership with Nairobi City County, Zamara Foundation, Joyworld Initiative, Tiko Africa, Hope Worldwide Kenya, Global Affairs Canada, CARE, and Forum Civ, convened a town hall meeting to mark World Contraceptive Day 2025, focusing on the realities of adolescents and young people.

“Adolescents and youth face the highest levels of unmet need for contraception, which often results in unintended pregnancies, disrupted education, and lost opportunities,” said Elizabeth Naini, Head of Nairobi County’s Adolescent Health Unit. “The biggest gap is lack of information, yet public facilities are youth-friendly and open for them to seek services.”

Faith leaders also weighed in on changing attitudes within religious spaces. Reverend Father Maximus Muchiri noted a shift within churches, saying, “Some religious institutions like mine actually run sessions teaching adolescents about contraceptives as a preventative approach. It is critical that these young people have access to accurate information.”

The town hall heard powerful testimonies from young people. A young father shared how lack of knowledge led to him becoming a parent immediately after high school, describing the experience as confusing and overwhelming. A teenage mother echoed his concerns, recounting how she became pregnant at 16 without knowledge of contraceptives and later faced stigma from her community.

Community leaders are also working to counter harmful beliefs. Nancy Wambui, Assistant Chief of Waithaka Location, said one persistent misconception is that contraception is only for married people. “This contributes to high rates of adolescent pregnancies. Many are also afraid to seek services due to stigma,” she explained, adding that youth-friendly centers are crucial in breaking these barriers.

The meeting also emphasized youth leadership in driving change. Veronica Komutho, CREAW Project Officer, urged young people to step up as community health promoters to ensure their voices are heard in both communities and policy spaces.

For Kenya, World Contraceptive Day remains a critical reminder that beyond access to contraceptives, there is a need to dismantle stigma, challenge harmful cultural and religious norms, and empower young people with accurate information. Without this, the cycle of unintended pregnancies will continue to undermine the education, health, and wellbeing of adolescents.

Watch the full town hall session here

Did you know? Over 500 million women and girls worldwide still lack safe menstrual products, costing billions in lost productivity, health, and opportunity.

This year, CREAW, in partnership with ForumCiv, commemorated Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025 in Mukuru, Nairobi. Under the theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” the event united adolescents from Makadara and Starehe, youth groups, and partners to dismantle period stigma, advance menstrual awareness, and foster inclusive spaces for women and girls. We joined the global movement to break the silence and stigma around menstrual health. Through our #PeriodEquity campaign, we raised awareness about the urgent need for accessible and dignified menstrual care.

CREAW reaffirms its commitment to ensuring periods never hinder health, education, or dignity.

*CREAW Executive Director Wangechi Wachira and KPC Managing Director Joe Sang during the signing of the MOU*

In a timely move to economically empower marginalized, young female survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW), the KPC Foundation, and the Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas National Polytechnic (MIOG) have signed a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer fully sponsored technical and vocational training to young women in Nairobi and Mombasa counties.

The MoU outlines a shared commitment to provide technical skills training while also enhancing work-readiness through comprehensive coaching and mentorship, enabling their full participation in the economy and contributing to their long-term dignity and independence. The partnership also seeks to support the young women by securing internship placements for practical industry exposure and facilitating job linkages by tapping into existing industry networks. In addition, select beneficiaries will receive grants for entrepreneurship

Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony, KPC MD Mr. Joe Sang noted that gender-based violence continues to rob young women of opportunities in economic participation. Without access to education and skills, many survivors face unemployment, economic exclusion, and generational cycles of poverty.

“At KPC, we remain alive to these challenges and we remain steadfast in our endeavor to make a difference. In a bid to restore hope and confidence among survivors of GBV, KPC will fully sponsor globally accredited, hands-on training for the young women at our Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas (MIOG) polytechnic. The courses that will be offered under this MoU include: International Welders Certificate, Fiber Optic Installation Technician, Certificate in Motor Vehicle Diagnostics, Certificate in Electrical Installation, Forklift Operator Certification Course and International Fire Fighters Certification Course among others” he said.

The partnership is particularly significant for young women who are survivors of GBV, many of whom face economic exclusion, unemployment, and limited access to education. Studies show that GBV has profound consequences on women’s ability to participate in economic life often leading to lost productivity, job loss, and intergenerational poverty. By equipping survivors with technical skills and pathways to decent work, this initiative directly challenges the cycle of violence and economic vulnerability.

CREAW Executive Director Wangechi Wachira noted that this partnership will open up real opportunities for young women who are survivors of gender based violence to gain practical skills at the facility, find spaces to work, and build strong networks that can support their growth.

“This isn’t just about skilling. It’s about restoring dignity, hope, and the belief that every young woman deserves a chance to live a meaningful and empowered life,” Wangechi said.

CREAW, through its Jasiri Program, will identify and support young women aged 18–35 who have either survived or are at risk of GBV. The KPC Foundation will leverage Kenya Pipeline Company’s national infrastructure and industry networks to support internship and employment opportunities. MIOG will provide globally accredited, hands-on training in high-demand fields including welding and fabrication, fibre optic installation, electrical installation, motor vehicle diagnostics, CNC machining, refrigeration and air conditioning, and fire safety.

Participants in Nairobi and Mombasa are encouraged to apply by clicking on this link. https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/jTbjPF8g

During the International Women’s month, CREAW showcased learnings on ‘Feminist funding for ‘Off The Tarmac’ women’s rights organisations(WROs) at the French Embassy. ‘Off the Tarmac’ refers to grassroots or non-mainstream women’s organizations that operate outside of formal, institutionalized frameworks. They work in remote, underserved, or conflict-affected areas where traditional infrastructure (legal, social, or economic) is limited.

They often have limited access to large-scale funding, rely on local resources and volunteers work with structures that are not formalized as such they are overlooked by mainstream development partners. Due to their proximity to the community, these organisations focus on marginalized groups, utilize intersectional approaches, and community driven focus.

Despite their ability to quickly respond to community needs and make sustainable change, WROs remain severely underfunded. They only receive a paltry 0.13% of Official Development Assistance(ODA) often given to mainstream organisations.

Identifying this gap, CREAW has, over the last 5 years, sub granted 41 ‘off the tarmac’ women’s rights organisations in 21 counties in partnership with Embassy of France, Global Affairs Canada, Hewlett Foundation, Mastecard Foundation and Embassy of Sweden. We have seen incredible growth of these WROs leading to deeper sustainable impact in the communities they serve.

The learning brief highlighted the key outcomes of our sub granting journey including derisking WROs, strengthening of their institutions, increased agency, enhanced collaborations and partnerships, digital transformation and tech enabled advocacy among others.

The session challenged development partners, implementing partners and stakeholders to rethink feminist funding for grassroots WROs with the following recommendations: increase access to multi year, flexible core funding, simplify grant application and reporting requirements, strengthen capacity building and organisational development, promote digital inclusion and tech access, address socio cultural and political barriers, expand participatory and trust based grant making, expand local philanthropy and alternative financing options.

We look forward to deepening the work we do while working with these critical organisations.

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David Lupao, a children’s rights activist in Bungoma County, has witnessed firsthand how the dreams of young girls are cut short. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many girls were forced out of school and pushed into child labor, domestic work, and early motherhood. Young lives that were once filled with promise became entangled in challenges beyond their control.

David has always been passionate about protecting children’s rights, but his approach to creating change took a new direction after he was trained by CREAW in the Social Analysis and Action (SAA) model under the Imarisha Msichana project. The training opened his eyes to the root causes of teenage pregnancy and child marriage, revealing that these issues are not just about individual choices. The deeper problems lie in harmful social norms, cultural beliefs, and deeply ingrained community attitudes.

Together with other champions, David began engaging parents, local leaders, and schools in open discussions. Rather than blaming the girls, he encouraged the community to reflect on the gender norms that often shame teen mothers while ignoring the men responsible. Through community dialogues, parents and elders have started to question their beliefs about education, parenting, and gender roles. Schools have also begun to rethink their policies regarding teen mothers.

“For too long, we have condemned the girl and remained silent about the boy. If we truly want to end teenage pregnancy, we must address both sides of the problem,” David asserts.

*David Lupao during a community engagement session*

The Imarisha Msichana project is an initiative implemented by Forum for Women Educationalists Kenya Chapter (FAWEK) in partnership with CREAW and the Mastercard Foundation, that aims to significantly reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy in Kenya during and beyond the COVID-19 crisis in 20 counties. One of its key interventions is to champion for school re-entry to teenagers and teen mothers.

David’s efforts are making a difference as more girls are returning to school, and families beginning to welcome them back home. The community is also changing its mindset, realizing that these girls need support, not shame.

Since the launch of the project in 2022, over 5,180 teen girls have successfully returned to school in the 20 counties with 245 girls in Bungoma county.

However, challenges remain; some families still struggle to accept their daughters, and many girls lack school fees, food, and other basic needs. David and the champions continue to advocate for change by urging parents to support their daughters, fight for justice against perpetrators, and lobby for stronger child protection policies.

“Change starts with us. Let’s shift our mindset, support our girls, and allow children to remain children,” David emphasizes.

Through his work, David is demonstrating that when a community changes its mindset, it can change the future for its children. And for the young girls of Bungoma, hope is on the rise.

It is no secret that culture eats strategy for breakfast.

Which is why as CREAW celebrates 25 years, we proudly unveiled our revamped Culture Handbook—a reflection of who we are and where we’re headed. As we experience significant growth, we recognize the importance of staying agile and responsive to the needs of our team, stakeholders, and participants.

This renewed culture embodies our commitment to fostering a supportive, high-performing environment where everyone thrives while championing CREAW’s vision every day.

The revamped CREAW Culture Handbook has been designed to defines our identity, values, and way of working. It outlines key principles such as Synergy, Professionalism, Respect, Trust, and Integrity values that guide how we interact with each other, make decisions, and deliver our mission. As an organization committed to advancing gender equality and social justice, having a clear and intentional culture is important. This handbook ensures that all staff, participants and stakeholders understand what CREAW stands for and how we embody these values in their everyday work. By aligning our behaviors with these principles, we create a strong foundation that drives both individual and collective success.

At the heart of it all is our mission: to transform the lives of all women and girls by championing gender equality, rights, and social justice. We envision a just society where women and girls are valued, respected, enjoy full rights, and live in dignity.

Read our culture handbook here

As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), CREAW proudly participated in the launch of the Kilifi County Anti-Gender-Based Violence Policy (2024-2028). The event, held on November 25, 2024, at the Tezo Agricultural Grounds, marked a significant milestone in the fight to end GBV in the county.

The launch brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including Kilifi Deputy Governor, County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Gender, other senior county officials, development partners, implementing agencies, community stakeholders, and members of the public.

At the heart of this event was the unveiling of a policy designed to drive change. The Kilifi County Anti-GBV Policy lays out a clear and actionable framework aimed at addressing and eliminating GBV through multisectoral approaches, prevention strategies, survivor support systems, and accountability mechanisms.

Speaking at the event, Pauline Muigai, CREAW’s Program Officer in Kilifi, commended the strong collaboration between the Kilifi County Government and the State Department for Gender. She highlighted the progress achieved through these partnerships and reaffirmed the need for sustained joint efforts to eradicate GBV in the region.

Dr. Ruth Dama Masha, the County Executive Committee Member for Gender, emphasized the importance of partnership among all gender stakeholders saying, “Counselors, government departments, community organizations—we need your voices, your hands, your dedication. Together, we must ensure every resident understands this policy and sees its impact.”

Her Excellency, Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chile, reiterated the county administration’s unwavering commitment to ending GBV. She called on all stakeholders to continue working together to foster a safer and more equitable society for all residents of Kilifi County.

The launch of this policy underscores CREAW’s dedication to supporting county governments in the fight against violence toward women and girls. Kilifi County now joins other counties—Meru, Narok, Nyeri, Nairobi, and Kitui—where CREAW in partnership with UN Women has played a pivotal role in developing gender-responsive policies.

*H.E President Ruto presents CREAW’s Executive Director Wangechi Wachira with the Trailblazer Award*

Before Women’s History month comes to an end, we want to take time celebrate CREAW’s trailblazing efforts to promote Gender Equality. In the heart of the recent International Women’s Day celebrations, held on March 8th, Center for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW) was honored with a prestigious Trailblazer Award for its unwavering dedication to advancing gender equality and empowering women. This recognition stands as a testament to the organization’s tireless efforts and significant contributions in championing the rights and voices of women across Kenya.

In the last five years we have achieved significant milestones in empowering women and girls advocating for their rights in Kenya. These achievements include a demonstrated ability to innovate and adapt, highlighted by initiatives such as the Jasiri Fund. This adaptability enabled us to effectively navigate challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, making a tangible impact in communities across the country.

We witnessed a remarkable growth in our programmatic resources, leading to an expansion of our programs. As a result, our sub-granting initiatives strengthened the institutional capacities of empowered more nascent women groups and empowered them to challenge negative social norms and pursue meaningful change at the community level. The establishment of a second SGBV Outreach Center at the Mukuru informal settlements s has ensured access to justice for women and girls who are SGBV survivors and strengthened pathways to economic resilience and recovery.

Furthermore, the launch of the Mukuru Office signifies our increased commitment to addressing SGBV issues within most vulnerable communities. We also established an in-house Public Interest Litigation unit as a foundation to advance legal advocacy and access to justice for survivors victims of SGBV. Through advocacy efforts at both national and county government levels, we played a crucial role in shaping gender-related policies and influencing legal reforms across several Kenyan counties, including Meru, Narok, Kitui, Isiolo, Nairobi, and Nyeri.

The awards were part of the national festivities for International Women’s Day, hosted in Embu County. The event was graced by His Excellency President William Ruto, alongside Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Meru Governor Cecily Mbarire, and numerous other esteemed government officials. The vibrant atmosphere was further enriched by the members from the Meru community, as well as representatives from various state and non-state stakeholders.

Other awardees during the event were First Lady Rachel Ruto, Jackline Saleiyan, Brig Joyce Sitienei, Eunice AJ Dobby, Anne Gloria Njoki, Moraa Obiria, Zipporah Nderitu, Juliana Miheso, Alice Nganga and Governor Gladys Wanga.

CREAW’s recognition as a Trailblazer highlights the critical role it continues to play in catalyzing transformative change and breaking barriers that hinder the full realization of gender equality. Through its multifaceted initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and grassroots programs, CREAW has not only amplified the voices of women but has also pushed for tangible progress towards building a more just and inclusive society for all.

During his address at the event, President Ruto emphasized the significance of these awards, portraying them as a powerful symbol of our collective stride towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Moreover, President Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule, thereby ensuring that women are accorded more opportunities to assume leadership roles and actively contribute to shaping the nation’s future.

CREAW also had a chance to showcase its work with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the recently launched USAID Elevate Voice Yake program at the event. The program aims to amplify the voices and aspirations of adolescent girls and women to better exercise their right to dignified and meaningful life protected from Sexual Gender Based Violence. This is to be achieved through integrated action by communities, government, private sector and civil society initiatives across 3 counties of Kiambu, Kwale and Meru, by 2026.

*Pauline Masese of YCWA, which is an implementing partner of the Elevate Voice Yake showcasing the program to USAID Mission Director for Kenya and East Africa, David Gosney*

CREAW’s recognition as a Trailblazer underscores the pivotal role it continues to play in catalyzing transformative change and breaking barriers that hinder the full realization of gender equality. Through its multifaceted initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and grassroots programs, CREAW has not only amplified the voices of women but has also pushed for tangible progress towards building a more just and inclusive society for all.

We were thrilled to host a pre-award induction workshop for eight youth-led feminist Women’s Rights Organisations (WROs) selected for the Piscca Decid’Her project.

These WROs, drawn from four counties—Narok, Kwale, Kiambu, and Nairobi—include:

Superb CBO
Wounded Healers
MK Defenders
LEHA Kenya
Hijabi Mentorship
Afy Africa
Matasaru Ntoiye Pastoralist Foundation
Tuwajali Wajane

During the workshop, CREAW signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the eight organizations, marking the formal start of the project. This milestone underscores our shared commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), preventing gender-based violence (GBV), providing critical services, and fostering socio-economic empowerment.

Speaking at the event, Marion, the Executive Director of MK Defenders, highlighted the transformative impact of the project:

“Signing this agreement means that we will no longer have to carry survivors of sexual violence on our backs since we couldn’t afford to even pay for a bodaboda. This is a new lease of life for our beneficiaries as we can now support them with dignity.”

The Piscca Decid’Her project is made possible through the generous support of the French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. It focuses on building the capacity of youth-led feminist organizations to effectively address GBV and SRHR, creating lasting change within their communities.

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*Attendees including partners, stakeholder and community members during the launch*

The fight towards ending gender based violence has received a boost with the launch of the Mukuru SGBV Outreach Center. The inauguration of the center by Center for Rights, Education and Awareness (CREAW) in partnership with Nairobi County, Hewlett Foundation and the Canadian High Commission, marks a crucial step in addressing the alarming prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Kenya, particularly in informal settlements.

The launch, held during the 16 Days of Activism, was graced by His Excellency Christopher Thornley, High Commissioner for Canada in Kenya, Mr. Tom Michira the Chief Officer Public Health representing Nairobi Governor Sakaja, development partners, civil society partners, community partners, and the community at large.

Research shows that 1 in 3 women in Kenya has experienced some form of sexual or gender-based violence in her lifetime. These statistics underscore the urgent need for attention and action to address the pervasive issue that affects the lives of mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends, creating untold stories of pain and resilience within society.

Survivors in informal settlements face more complex challenges, including poverty, lack of awareness, limited access to support services, stigma, patriarchal attitudes, and harmful social norms. The pervasive silence surrounding these issues often prevents survivors from seeking help or reporting the crimes committed against them.

It is from this backdrop that CREAW and the Nairobi County Government has made efforts to bring services closer to the community through this center. The strategic placement of the SGBV centre within the Mukuru Health Center ensures survivors have access to integrated health services, pro bono legal assistance, free psychosocial support, and economic empowerment programs.

The outreach center streamlines the GBV pathways, reducing the burden on survivors’ resources and time. In the three weeks since opening, the outreach center has already supported 17 cases for psychosocial support and 11 cases for legal support, highlighting the dire need for these services in Mukuru.

The SGBV Centre represents a departure from the norm by aiming to eliminate the retraumatization survivors often face when navigating different offices and recounting their trauma. By streamlining the GBV pathways, the outreach center paves the way for survivors to attain the justice essential to their healing process.

His Excellency Christopher Thornley, High Commissioner for Canada in Kenya applauded the collaborative efforts made towards ending GBV in Kenya, noting that it is a global problem as well.

“I hope that the continued advocacy and partnership on advancing gender equality makes a difference in ending GBV,” he noted.

While thanking partners and stakeholders for their role in making the outreach center happen, CREAW’s executive Director Wangechi Wachira called for increased collaboration between communities, government agencies, media, and civil society organizations.

“Only through a united front can transformative change be achieved, eliminating the root causes of SGBV and fostering a society where everyone can live free from fear and violence,” Wangechi said.

Chief Officer Public Health Tom Michira lauded the establishment of the centre and emphasised the need to work together in order to address the issue of SGBV from the root.

The successful launch would not have been possible without the unwavering support of numerous individuals and organizations. CREAW extends gratitude to the Canadian High Commission, Nairobi County, Hewlett Foundation, and partners such as Unwomen, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), The United Nations Population Fund (Unfpa), Shofco, Forumciv, Action Aid, Christian Aid, Kenya Red Cross, among others.

The Mukuru SGBV Outreach Centre launch represents a significant step towards combating gender-based violence in Kenya. Through collaborative efforts, streamlined services, and community support, CREAW aims to create a society where everyone can live free from fear and violence.

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Blog Archives - CREAW KENYA

Kenya Marks World Contraceptive Day with Call for Youth-Centered Solutions

Celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025

CREAW, KPC Foundation, and Morendat Institute Sign MoU to Equip Women Survivors of GBV with Technical Skills

Rethinking Feminist Funding for ‘Off The Tarmac’ Organisations

Bungoma Community Champion Working to End Teenage Pregnancy and Child Marriage

We launched our revamped CREAW Culture Handbook

Kilifi County Launches Anti-Gender-Based Violence Policy

Celebrating CREAW’s Trailblazing Efforts in Gender Equality on International Women’s Day

CREAW Hosts Pre-Award Induction for Piscca Decid’Her Project

CREAW Launches Mukuru SGBV Outreach Centre to Address Gender-Based Violence

Justin’s Brave Step Towards a Better Life

Kenya Marks World Contraceptive Day with Call for Youth-Centered Solutions

CREAW and Embassy of Sweden in Kenya Partner to Strengthen Grassroots WROs