Reflections by Beth-Ann Kutchma, CFK Africa Director of Strategic Partnerships
“The community owns this,” repeated CFK Africa Executive Director Jeffrey Okoro at the launch of a new Gender Desk Office in the Mathare Police Station. His words resonated with me, “the community owns this.” It was a powerful call to action and reminder of collective responsibility in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The new Gender Desk in Mathare slum launched by CFK will serve as a safe space where survivors of SGBV can access the support they need. Jeffrey’s emphasis on community ownership reminded us that we all have a role to play in the fight against SGBV and that real change only happens when solutions are owned by the local community.
According to Kenya’s National Council for Population and Development, almost 50% of women experience SBGV in their lifetime. In my remarks to attendees, I asked people to raise their hands if they knew someone who had experienced SGBV. Too many hands went up, and the stark reality of SGBV set in – we all know too many people who have been affected.
We have work to do. Alarming trends in Kenya’s rising “manosphere” are increasing instances of SGBV, with 24,000 cases of SGBV reported in Nairobi County alone in 2024. In Mathare specifically, SGBV has recently resulted in a surge in pregnancies, including cases involving girls as young as 11-years-old. It is clear that reducing SGBV is an urgent priority in CFK’s mission to remove barriers for informal settlement youth to thrive, and the Gender Desk is an important step.
Male allies must play a significant role in the fight against SGBV. In my short speech, I directly addressed the men in the audience and urged them to consider the women in their families. Imagine having two daughters – statistics show that one will be a survivor of SGBV in their lifetime. Similarly, think about your mother and grandmother. One has likely endured such trauma; the thought is chilling.
Yet, the large number of partners in attendance was encouraging. About 100 attendees represented a diverse coalition of organizations, all committed to ending violence against women. The CFK team was proud to stand alongside Wanawake Mashinani Initiative (WMI), Shine a Light CBO, Ghetto Girls, Imarisha Future for Girls, UAYO, Mzee wa Kijiji, Women’s Link Worldwide, Women’s Collective, officers from the Mathare Police Station, the office of Honorable Esther Passaris, and representatives from the GBV County Coordinator’s office.
The event featured remarks by several activists and demonstrated what can be achieved when we come together. Despite my limited Swahili, I found myself nodding and laughing along with the speakers and was moved by the calls for increased collaboration. For example, the SGBV coordinator in Mathare stated that they are in need of mattresses so survivors have a safe space to rest. The leader of a local CBO requested menstrual products for women who are in dire need. A representative from the Ministry of Health asked for the group to come together to provide youth-friendly health services at a clinic located just across from the Police Station. Another local leader reminded us that “education is the only equalizer” in the fight for women’s equality, and she called for more education around SGBV in addition to psychosocial support and reporting mechanisms. All of these requests for further collaboration and support reminded me of the high need of the community and the power of resource mobilization.
A symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the launch of this pivotal community resource, with Jeffrey suggesting that each partner cut a small piece of the ribbon to emphasize the collective ownership of the Gender Desk and all that it represents in the fight against SBGV. I was proud to cut a piece alongside guest Karen Torjesen, a scholar of women’s studies and Professor Emerita at Claremont Graduate University. Karen’s work with our Girls Empowerment Program has been instrumental in advancing male allyship and other advocacy efforts.
The launch event affirmed several truths for me: that many are committed to ending GBV, that community ownership is key, and that extraordinary potential exists when people unite around a shared cause. At CFK, we call on everyone – male allies, community leaders, and government offices – to join us in the fight against SGBV. We are stronger together.
Reflections captured by Emma Harver, Deputy Director of Communications and Development.