Collaborative effort provides a safe space for survivors in Mathare informal settlement
NAIROBI, KENYA – CFK Africa, an international nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth in informal settlements across Kenya, has launched a new initiative to address sexual and gender-based violence in Mathare slum. The newly established Gender Desk Office at the Mathare Police Station within the informal settlement in Nairobi will provide safe spaces for women to report violence and seek legal justice.
The program launched earlier this month with representatives of CFK Africa, officers from the Mathare Police Station, staff members from the Gender-Based Violence County Coordinator’s office, and a dozen community partners. Sexual and gender-based violence remains a significant problem throughout Kenya, with 45 percent of women experiencing it in their lifetime, according to Kenya’s National Council for Population and Development.
“It’s not enough to just educate members of the community about the dangers of sexual and gender-based violence,” said CFK Africa Executive Director Jeffrey Okoro. “We need to involve community leaders, male allies, landlords, and police officers to create sustainable change around this issue. Community ownership of the process is key.”
Along with another CFK Africa program, which trains landlords to recognize and respond to situations where women are at risk, the new Gender Desk Office will challenge the norms that allow violence against women to persist and support survivors in advocating for justice.
Through partnerships with community-based organizations, advocacy groups, and local officials, CFK Africa continues to champion girls and women, removing barriers to their thriving and fostering education, empowerment, and equality.
“We are here to help,” said Inspector Musyoka, the new Gender Desk Officer in Mathare, during the official launch. “All our officers are here to represent everyone at all times of the day and night. When you arrive at Mathare Police Station, you are safe.”
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About CFK Africa
Founded in 2001, CFK Africa works to empower youth by improving public health and economic prosperity in informal settlements in Kenya through integrated health and youth leadership initiatives. Using a participatory development approach, the organization works directly with community residents to develop and implement sustainable programs. After marking 20 years of service in Kibera in 2021, CFK began expanding to 25 informal settlements across eight counties in Kenya, including Kajiado, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kisumu, Machakos, Mombasa, Nairobi, and Nakuru. For more information, visit www.cfkafrica.org.