Organization Launches Project to Combat SGBV and Teenage Pregnancies in Kakamega County

In an effort to tackle the underreported cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and teenage pregnancies, a non-governmental organization in Kakamega County has unveiled the Women Against Violence and Exploitation (WAVE) project.

The Rising to Greatness Organization launched the WAVE project, funded by the Netherlands Embassy under the United Nations Programme. The initiative aims to implement accessible and confidential mechanisms for reporting SGBV cases, provide legal and counseling services to survivors, increase awareness about the importance of reporting these cases, collaborate with local authorities to ensure proper handling, and educate communities to prevent teenage pregnancies and support young mothers.

Kakamega County has been grappling with high rates of SGBV and teenage pregnancies, which experts say are driven by deep-seated cultural norms and a lack of accessible reporting mechanisms. According to recent statistics, the county has a 21.9% rate of teenage pregnancies, with Malava Sub-County leading at 26.8%.

Speaking at the project's inception meeting, Joy Nyangi, the project officer, emphasized the initiative's comprehensive approach to addressing these issues. 

“We will educate the entire community, not just women, on where and how to report SGBV cases, including the gender reporting desks in courts, and educate them on the case management process. We will also address the issue of kangaroo courts where many GBV cases are mishandled. Furthermore, we will tackle rising teenage pregnancy cases and support young mothers,” she said.

Yustin Ooko from Rising to Greatness Organization highlighted the project's community-focused strategy. 

“The initiative contains a unit where the community will be educated on how to report cases of SGBV. Some of the cases are reported but reported late, making it hard for the survivor to get justice as required. This initiative will sensitize the community on reporting these cases on time to avoid interference from kangaroo courts. To accomplish this, we are going to use dialogue with the community,” he explained.

Muna Mohammed from CSO Network noted the challenges posed by societal patriarchy in reporting SGBV.

“We are going to conduct community sensitization to encourage women and girls to report SGBV cases without fear,” she said.

Esther Mboya, Gender-Based and Reproductive Health Coordinator for Kakamega County, expressed the county's readiness to collaborate with the organization. She pointed out that most SGBV cases from the communities do not reach the courts. 

“We aim to reduce SGBV and teenage pregnancy cases in Kakamega County, where the numbers are high. Together with the organizations, we will sensitize the community on reporting such cases and encourage women to speak out to prevent mental trauma,” she said.

Mboya also urged men to report any SGBV cases they face, challenging the norm that men should not report such incidents. 

“We are ready to support men who come forward. No one will laugh at you; we want a healthy community,” she added.

Lucy Mulobi, Chairperson of People with Disabilities in Kakamega County, emphasized the importance of including PWDs in the fight against SGBV. 

“Many PWDs face SGBV but don’t know where or how to report, especially in rural areas. The deaf and dumb PWDs face significant challenges because they cannot express themselves and may not be understood. Mentally challenged individuals are often ignored when reporting such matters. Inclusive dialogue is the best way to address SGBV in the communities,” she emphasized.

Catherine Osita, Step Up for Justice project officer from Rural to Global Organization, which is partnering with Rising to Greatness to implement the initiative, assured that the project would ensure these cases are reported and justice is served. 

“We aim to break the silence and dismantle the culture of impunity surrounding SGBV. For example, cultures that force women into wife inheritance even when they are unwilling. We will also focus on educational outreach to prevent teenage pregnancies,” she added.

The project, dubbed AMKENI, will be implemented in Lurambi, Khwisero, and Ikolomani. Malava, Shinyalu and Matungu for Step Up for Justice project.