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.

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.