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.