Silence around SGBV 'preventing survivors from seeking help'

The outreach unit is run by the Centre for Rights, Education and Awareness (Creaw), with support from the Nairobi County, Hewlett Foundation, and Canadian Commission.

According to data, one in three 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," said Tom Michira, Chief Officer of Public Health, representing Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

He said that it was against this informed backdrop that Creaw and the Nairobi County Government made efforts to bring services closer to the community through the centre.

Muchira said the strategic placement of the SGBV centre within the Mukuru Health Centre facility ensures survivors have access to integrated health services, pro bono legal assistance, free psycho-social support, and economic empowerment programmes.

"The SGBV Centre represents a departure from the norm by aiming to eliminate the stigmatisation the survivors often face when navigating different offices and recounting their trauma," said Creaw Executive Director Wangechi Wachira.