Ujamaa Africa has intensified efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Kiambu County through its innovative programmes that target students and teachers.
Ujamaa Africa is an international NGO that works to promote health, personal safety and economic empowerment for vulnerable women and children.
The organisation held a sensitization meeting in Ruiru for the Kiambu SGBV Technical Working Group (TWG), Ujamaa, to share on programmes notably engaging in education and empowerment initiatives to reduce SGBV.
Ujamaa Africa’s Kiambu Director Rhoda Kimathi said the organization runs Girls’ Empowerment and Self-Defense (GESD) programme which equips girls with practical skills to protect themselves, while the Hero in Me (HIM) programme teaches boys the importance of positive masculinity, respect and consent.
“These programmes aim to change attitudes, foster safer communities and prevent violence before it happens, she added.
So far, Ujamaa Africa has trained 700 teachers in sub-counties including Thika, Ruiru, Juja, and Gatundu and more than 42,000 learners have also benefited from its programs while the organization has also provided support to 100 child survivors of violence, she said.
“Our goal is to equip teachers and students with tools to prevent violence and promote gender equality and we offer a six-day training programme for teachers focused on equipping educators with the knowledge and skills to address SGBV in schools,” said Kimathi
This is done under the programme dubbed “NO Means NO” which also targets learners from Grade 5 through high school, ensuring that students at a critical stage in their development are empowered with information on consent, respect and personal safety.
The programme’s impact is evident in schools, where teachers and students are reporting increased awareness and confidence in addressing SGBV issues.
By continuing to engage with local teachers and institutions, Ujamaa Africa is playing a crucial role in the fight against SGBV, working to create a safer and more equitable future in Kiambu.
State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action (SDfGAA) Director Kiambu Olympia Karimi called on stakeholders to support initiatives in the fight against sexual violence.
“Together we can build and work towards a future where gender based violence is eradicated,” she added.
Kiambu is one of the counties where SGBV cases are high, with statistics showing that 17.7 percent of women were subjected to violence.
By Sylvia Wanjohi
