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Kisumu, Kenya – In a significant step towards addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) during periods of conflict and political unrest, a community engagement event was successfully held in Kisumu. Organized by Utu Wetu, CSO Network, and Grace Agenda, the event brought together survivors, civil society actors, duty bearers, and the media to develop a concrete roadmap for preventing, protecting, and responding to SGBV in Kisumu, Vihiga, and Bungoma. Building upon these organizations’ collective experiences and expertise, the engagement event aimed to amplify survivor voices and foster collaboration to combat SGBV effectively. It provided a platform for survivors to share their stories, discuss challenges, and propose survivor-led interventions that can make a tangible difference in addressing SGBV in the region. The event began with an opening session that welcomed participants from diverse backgrounds. Reflecting on the status of SGBV during previous elections and subsequent protests, survivors shared their experiences, shedding light on the alarming rise of sexual assault and rape during periods of political tension. These powerful testimonies were a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures to address SGBV comprehensively. One of the key highlights of the engagement was the presentation and discussion on the Kinshasa Declaration on the Rights to Reparation and Co-creation of Survivors and Victims of Conflict-Related SGBV. Grace Agenda led this session, emphasizing the importance of survivor-centered participation in shaping transformative reparations and advocating for peace and justice for all survivors, regardless of gender or age. Drawing inspiration from the Kinshasa Declaration, participants engaged in constructive dialogue to draft a survivor’s manifesto specific to Kisumu, Vihiga, and Bungoma. This manifesto outlined the key asks and necessary actions to prevent and respond to SGBV during conflicts. It encapsulated the collective aspirations of survivors and provided a roadmap for stakeholders to work towards comprehensive solutions. The engagement also facilitated discussions on assessing state responsibility in protecting and responding to SGBV. Participants evaluated the existing legal frameworks and identified gaps that hindered the effective implementation of protective measures. By examining these challenges, the event aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the systemic issues surrounding SGBV and advocate for reforms prioritizing survivor wellbeing. Our engagement in Kisumu came to an end with a press conference, where we emphasized the need for the government to make reparations for survivors of post-election sexual violence a top priority. pic.twitter.com/Fyc2g9uYu7 — UtuWetu (@utu_wetu) March 2, 2024 The engagement served as a platform for survivors, civil society actors, and duty-bearers to identify key priority areas for SGBV prevention and response within Kisumu, Vihiga, and Bungoma Counties. Through roundtable discussions, participants explored collaborative opportunities and strengthened partnerships to enhance the impact of interventions on the ground.

From November 30th to December 1st, 2023, UTU WETU TRUST organized a symposium to tackle the persistent issue of election-related sexual violence in Kenya. The symposium brought together a diverse range of participants, including experts, stakeholders, survivors, and activists, all dedicated to addressing this pressing concern. Please take a moment to browse through the captivating photos capturing the symposium.    

Election-related sexual violence has been a recurring issue in Kenya, posing significant threats to the safety, well-being, and rights of individuals, particularly women and girls. To address this critical issue and foster accountability, UTU WETU held a Symposium on accountability for election-related sexual violence in Kenya from November 30th to December 1st, 2023. The symposium brought together experts, stakeholders, survivors, and activists to discuss strategies and recommendations for breaking the cycle of violence, seeking reparations for survivors, and amplifying the survivor’s voices.   Creating Awareness and Advocacy One of the key outcomes of the symposium was the call to action for civil society organizations (CSOs) to reassess their approach when engaging with the government. Advocacy efforts were aimed at championing reparations for survivors and addressing current threats to post-election peace. The symposium emphasized the importance of leveraging media as a critical partner in securing accountability for election-related sexual violence. Media can play a significant role in holding the state accountable and driving change by raising awareness and amplifying survivor stories. Strategic Impact Litigation The symposium recognized strategic impact litigation as a powerful vehicle for accountability. By using legal mechanisms, survivors and advocates can challenge systemic failures and demand justice for survivors of election-related sexual violence. The symposium explored emerging issues in this area and put forth recommendations for continued engagement with survivors, development of guidelines, and establishment of a specialized team within the Department of Public Prosecutions to ensure credible and independent investigations and prosecutions. Reparation Framework and Memorialization Another key focus of the symposium was developing a reparation framework beyond material compensation. Survivors of election-related sexual violence often face long-lasting physical, psychological, and socio-economic consequences. It highlighted the importance of a holistic perspective on reparations, encompassing psycho-social, medical, and legal assistance. Memorialization was recognized as an essential element of redress for sexual violence, honoring the experiences of survivors and ensuring that their stories are not forgotten. Centering the Survivor Voice A central theme of the symposium was the empowerment and centering of survivor voices. Survivors of election-related sexual violence shared their stories, shedding light on the profound impact of violence on their lives and livelihoods. The symposium acknowledged the critical role of survivors in driving change. It recommended continued engagement with survivors and the public to enhance prevention efforts, amplify the call for accountability, and hold perpetrators responsible. The Survivor Manifesto, a powerful testimony of resilience and determination, was also presented during the symposium. The Symposium served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and formulating actionable recommendations. It underscored the urgency of addressing the systemic failures in preventing, investigating, prosecuting, and compensating survivors of election-related sexual violence. Adopting a multi-faceted approach that combines strategic impact litigation, reparation frameworks, survivor-centred initiatives, and media engagement makes it possible to advance accountability, break the cycle of violence, and create a safer and more inclusive electoral environment in Kenya.   Here is the Full Report on the Symposium: UTU WETU SYMPOSIUM FINAL EDIT 1