
On September 30, 2024, in partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Utu Wetu Trust hosted an engagement meeting in Nairobi. This event brought together survivors, civil society actors, and key duty bearers to address the prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) across Kenya. The initiative aligns with our ongoing commitment to fostering a multi-stakeholder approach in tackling SGBV, from everyday incidents to crisis moments, including the recent “Gen Z Protests.”
The convening provided a platform to explore the continuum of SGBV and how it manifests across periods of peace and unrest. Discussions focused on the systemic gender inequalities, harmful societal norms, and power dynamics that perpetuate violence. Participants examined the complex landscape of SGBV as both a structural and personal violation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the issue across different contexts. Through collaborative dialogue, participants worked to draw connections between various instances of SGBV in Kenya, underscoring the importance of a survivor-centred approach that prioritizes the voices and experiences of those affected.
The engagement meeting fostered valuable reflections on Kenya’s progress in addressing SGBV while identifying critical gaps requiring urgent attention. Recognizing the need for a coordinated and collaborative response, participants developed action points and recommendations to strengthen partnerships between duty-bearers and civil society. These action points include strategies to improve support structures, enhance legal frameworks, and increase community awareness around SGBV issues. The meeting concluded with the establishment of working groups tasked with driving forward these actionable plans to bolster support systems, promote legal protections, and foster community resilience.
This engagement underscores Utu Wetu Trust’s dedication to transformative change in SGBV prevention and response efforts. We remain committed to amplifying survivor voices and working alongside key stakeholders to move Kenya closer to a society free from violence and fear.
Our efforts will continue to focus on actionable, survivor-centred solutions, driving sustainable progress in the fight against SGBV nationwide.