NGO to construct gender-safe houses in five counties

A march in Kibra to mark the start of the 16-days of activism against gender violence. [Jeniffer Wachie, Standard]

An NGO plans to construct five safe houses in five counties in a bid to support victims of gender violence.

As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence continues, Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco) said it will also strengthen 48 existing ones across 15 counties.

The initiative aims to provide life skills education to 75,000 children and offer GBV support services to 30,000 women and girls by 2025.

On Monday, 160 children graduated after completing a programme on children's rights.

The following day, more than 20 organisations led by Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco), announced a series of awareness activities in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Machakos, Kilifi, Homa Bay, Vihiga, Kakamega, Siaya and Nakuru counties.

"By reaching out and listening to women's voices, we fulfil their right to self-expression, gain insight into their vision for a better world, and make their priorities part of our actions today," Shofco Project Director Angela Ng'etich said in Nairobi yesterday.

Ms Ng'etich added that the goal is to reach and impact 500,000 girls in informal settlements across Kenya.

According to UN Women, 736 million women have experienced violence at least once in their lifetime.

Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reveals that at least 34 per cent of women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, while 13 per cent have faced sexual violence at some point in their lives.

"Through a network of gender champions, we will conduct outreach activities in 10 counties with local leadership, encouraging them to sign pledges against GBV and challenge cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities," said Caroline Sakwa, Shofco's gender and inclusion director.

"We are committed to making the fight against GBV a year-round effort to shift societal norms, secure accountability and transform power structures that oppress women and girls out there," Ms Sakwa said.