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.