Kenyatta University Centre for Gender Equity & Empowerment in collaboration with the Department of Sociology, Gender & development Studies and Kenyatta University Women’s Economic Empowerment Hub, marked the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence from 25^th November – 10^th December 2021.

This annual international campaign kicks off on 25^th November [the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women] and runs until 10 December [Human Rights Day]. It was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

Inspired by the original vision and history of the Campaign, which focused on raising awareness about violence against women (VAW), and considering the continuing impunity for femicide, this year the Campaign will focus on the issue of “femicide or the gender-related killing of women.”

The global theme for this year is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”  By choosing this theme, the color orange symbolizes a brighter future, free of violence; and also serves as a means of demonstrating one’s solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence. Orange is therefore used as the color of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

In 2021, in addition to the anniversary theme, the Campaign will continued its program activities to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the world of work by focusing on the link between domestic violence and the world of work, drawing on legal standards outlined in ILO Convention 190 (C190) and the actions put forward in Recommendation 206 (R206).

As observed, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented the world with new challenges, which call for individual and collective solutions, to speak against and end violence, not just against women but all. A world without violence is possible and this moment demands unparalleled courage and joint action to make this vision a reality.

To mark this 16 days, some of the activities carried out include;

1.      This annual international campaign kicked off on Thursday 25^th November 2021 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) with a virtual celebration from 9am-11am. There were presentations from;

a)      Dr. Samuel Mwangi, Ag. Chairperson Sociology, Gender and Development Studies

b)      Dr. Richard Wafula, Dean, School of Humanities & Social Sciences

c)      Prof. Judith Waudo, Director, Centre Gender Equity and Empowerment (CGEE) and KU –WEE Hub leader

d)      Edith Murogo, Executive Director and founder, Centre for Domestic Training & Development (CDTD)

e)      Prof. Grace Wamue-Ngare, Advocacy & Policy Engagement Expert and Principal Investigator (SGBV theme 3 ) KU WEE Hub

f)       Dr. Grace Okong’o, Lecturer & Researcher KU-WEE HUB SGBV Project

g)      Ms. Pamela Karimi Muriuki, State Department of Gender

h)      Ms. Josephine Thua, a PhD student at Kenyatta University

2.      On Sunday 28^th November 2021 there was an outreach campaign at Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Evergreen, Runda. Prof. Wamue Ngare led a team of 18 students and 5 members of staff to worship at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Evergreen, Runda. She spoke both at the seniors’ congregation and the youth about the dangers of SGBV, its manifestations and how to prevent it. The service was from 9am – 12 noon.

      Students Campaign against SGBV at Kenyatta University

Students from the school of Humanities and other schools came together to create awareness on gender based violence during the 16 days of activism that ran from 25^th November to 10^th December 2021. Activism was done on every Thursdays (25^th, 2^nd and 9^th November 2021) at school grounds.

The students were divided into four groups namely;

a)      Students doing activism in the classrooms

b)      Students doing activism in the hostels

c)      Students doing activism at the outlets

d)      Students doing activism to students with disabilities  

4.     General Publicity on social media platforms like the Website Write up, Twitter, Facebook and a talk on KUTV

Students marching around Kenyatta University, Main Campus for the 16 Days of Activism campaign against GBV Thursday 25^th 2021.

Students at KU-WEE HUB as they marched around KU main campus campaigning on the 16 Days of Activism against GBV Thursday 25^th 2021.

Students at the Directorate Complex with Prof. Judith Waudo, Director, Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment on the 16 Days of Activism against GBV Thursday 25^th 2021.

Students at KU Main Campus , Main Gate as they marched around KU main campus campaigning on the 16 Days of Activism against GBV Thursday 25^th 2021.

Students accompanied Prof. Wamue-Ngare (far right) for Outreach campaign at Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Evergreen, Runda on Sunday 28th November 2021

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Last Updated: 08 February 2022

CampusMeToo Awareness Walk Write-up

 CampusMeToo is a Student- Led, Pan- African movement to end sexual harassment from staff on campus. The movement was launched on the 19^th November 2019 by students in Kenyan higher learning institutions. The students behind #CampusMeToo have developed communication and education material to fight against sexual harassment from staff and students on campus. The material developed include the student’s toolkit, parent’s toolkit, lecturer’s toolkit and campaign materials such as posters, banners, stickers and notebooks.

The Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment in collaboration with CampusMeToo student ambassadors planned an awareness walk and talk on sexual harassment affecting students and staff on campus on Thursday the 5^th of August 2021. The sexual harassment awareness walk was held at BSSC room 12 from 9 A.M – 1 P.M. The #CampusMeToo campaign walk begun at 9am from the Directorate Building to the BSSC while the participants chanted the importance of ending sexual harassment in the campus. The panelists to respond to questions and concerns during the open discussion were;

• Prof. Judith Waudo – Director, CGEE
• Dr. Willy Mwangi – Department, Sociology, Gender and Development Studies
• Miss. Martha Nyanchama – KUSA Vice President
• Miss. Azama Butelezi – CampusMeToo student ambassador

Prof. Waudo shared with the students the mandate of the Centre which is to mainstream gender in all University operations by organizing gender sensitization trainings to students and staff at Kenyatta University. She further went through the University’s SGBV policy highlighting the reporting mechanisms of sexual harassment cases. Additionally, she informed the students of the mobile application that will assist to anonymously, efficiently and securely report SGBV cases. She noted that, SGBV cases are many in the university, but many go unreported due to fear and shame. She hoped that through the App, this gap can be bridged.

The open discussion, presided over by Miss. Esther Wayua started with Miss. Martha providing the definition of Sexual Harassment as Unlawful, unsolicited and unwelcome sexual advance or requests for sexual favors. It can be verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Some of the concerns raised during the discussion were, what are right reporting channels when one has gone through sexual harassment, are the perpetrators of sexual harassment really punished, and if so, how are they punished? How are victims taken care of both physically and mentally? As a woman, how do you make sure you are not violated?

Dr. Willy Mwangi advised that women should understand the psychology of men.  Men are mostly attracted to what they see and unfortunately, some men react to this by making unwanted sexual advances towards women and others go as far as raping them. Therefore, he advised ladies to dress decently and avoid showing too much skin especially when visiting an office of a man. However, he also stated that, being decent does not guarantee that a female student will not be harassed. In this case, it was recommended that one should not go to the office alone instead take a colleague as a safety measure.

The right reporting channels of SGBV cases go through the Centre, University’s Directorate of Security and Directorate of Health Services. This is to make sure that the report and evidence brought by a victim/survivor of sexual harassment is properly documented and he/she receives medical attention to avoid diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Further, for counselling, the survivor is directed to the Directorate of Wellness and Rehabilitation.

Prof. Waudo assured the students that the University has ZERO tolerance for sexual harassment and perpetrators are severely punished according to the existing policies. When a sexual harassment case is reported and documented, it is reported to Vice Chancellor who puts in place a committee that deliberates on it. Meanwhile, the accused is suspended from the University awaiting a verdict. In case found guilty, the accused is fired on the part of staff or expelled from the university if it is a student.

Miss. Azama Butelezi advised women that women can create as a safe place for themselves by first and foremost dressing well. As much as this is not a guarantee that one will escape sexual harassment, it is first step towards protecting oneself. She emphasized on having self-respect and morals. By doing this you have created a visible barrier against sexual harassment.

It is clear that the most affected by Sexual Harassment are females. However, both men and women should take an initiative to help in eradicating sexual harassment. For instance, this can be done by; teaching children of both genders from a young age to have mutual respect for each other. Though teaching children respect from a tender age, they learn to even respect themselves and have values. Additionally, men should be empowered on who they should be in the society: Protectors, not oppressors. They should not have toxic masculinity, having the need to prove that they are men by using their strength to exert their power over women. Further, both men and women should understand that NO means NO and that CONSENT is very important before having sexual relations with an individual.

To conclude, students were challenged to educate and empower themselves on the University’s SGBV policy. This way, they will know how to protect themselves against SGBV from both students and members of staff. Additionally, Prof. Waudo encouraged students to report sexual harassment cases of if not share with a trusted friend who can help report incidents and be our neighbor’s keeper. By doing this, it is a step further to help eradicate sexual harassment in University. She underscored on the availability of resources to address SGBV cases in the University through the Centre and other key directorates. She also urged the students to rise up, unite and fight SGBV injustices and be ambassadors of #CampusMeToo and the Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment.

 Director, Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment, Prof. Judith Waudo addressing participants during the Sexual Harassment Awareness talk BSSC Room 12 on 5^th August 2021 

 The panelists at the Sexual Harassment Awareness talk BSSC Room 12 (left to right) Miss. Azama Butelezi -CampusMeToo student ambassador, Prof. Judith Waudo – Director, CGEE, Dr. Willy Mwangi – Department, Sociology, Gender and Development Studies and Miss. Martha Nyanchama – KUSA Vice President 

 Participants (students) walk and pose with “Nina Power” slogan to campaign against sexual harassment on Campus on 5^th August 2021 

 Students march to campaign against sexual harassment on Campus on 5^th August 2021 

 Participants at BSSC Room 12 during the Sexual Harassment Awareness talk BSSC Room 12 on 5^th August 2021 

The panelists (seated) with some of the participants at the Sexual Harassment Awareness talk BSSC Room 12 on 5^th August 2021

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Last Updated: 17 August 2021

A report of KU-WEE Hub’s consultative meeting with Tharaka Nithi County Government

On 27^th July 2021, a delegation from KU-WEE Hub led by the Vice Chancellor Kenyatta University, Prof. Paul Wainaina, visited Tharaka Nithi County to discuss ways of strengthening the partnership between the Hub and the county government in preparation for research field work. The team was received by the Governor, H.E Muthomi Njuki at the county government offices in Chuka town. The county government is a key partner in the Hub’s project, collaborating in the design, implementation and evaluation on childcare, facilitation and provision of a platform for the Randomised Control Trial (RCT) and provision of a site for testing initiatives that work to improve Women’s Economic Empowerment. Researchers from the County will be participating in KU-based studies namely:

1. Effectiveness of SGBV Mitigation and Prevention Programmes in Enhancing Women’s Economic Empowerment; and
2. Women’s Participation in Management and Leadership Positions in the Public Sector in Kenya: Closing the Gender Gap.

Jointly with the Kenyatta University researchers and researchers from Yale University (one of the Hub’s key International Partners) researchers from the County will implement an RCT on “Improving Women’s Market Work and Child Development through the Crèche Programme”.

During the meeting, Prof. Judith Waudo, Director, Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment and Hub leader, made a presentation on the Hub’s project, including current progress and the way forward. The Chair of the advisory board noted that the board will provide technical support to ensure success of the project. The Vice Chancellor reiterated his support for the project and partnership, noting that the findings of the applied research will be beneficial in policy formulation and implementation beyond the county to the national and international levels. He added that beyond Women Economic Empowerment (WEE), the findings will help improve the quality of life in general, and emphasized on the need for the help of county officers to enable researchers establish necessary relationships that will help in relevant data collection.

The governor expressed his appreciation for KU-WEE Hub’s commitment to the working partnership and noted that public participation was key in the establishment of the crèche programme that is being evaluated by researchers from the Hub. He therefore urged the team conducting the study to pay keen attention to the cultural and religious values of the community and leverage the existing structure that consists of Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) with access to every household in the county. Researchers will meet with representatives of the CHVs as well as those of market committees before commissioning the research, to ensure community mobilization. It was noted that the county government has appointed members of a committee (including technical persons) that will oversee the working relationship between the two partners.

The event received good media coverage, including an article on the Standard newspaper (https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/opinion/article/2001419457/creche-programme-could-be-a-game-changer-for-working-mothers), a Swahili news item on KUTV (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8socq-uLZqc) and a pictorial on the Nation newspaper (http://weehub.ku.ac.ke/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Nation-newspaper-picture.jpg)

Teams from Tharaka Nithi County and KU-WEE Hub pose for a group photo, after the consultative meeting.

Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paul Wainaina and Tharaka Nithi Governor, H.E Muthomi Njuki field questions from the media following a successful consultative meeting to discuss the partnership between KU-WEE Hub and the County government

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Last Updated: 23 August 2021

The Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment in collaboration with the Office of the Kenyatta University Students Association Vice-Chairperson (KUSA) and Kenyatta University Gender Action Movement (KUGAM) celebrated the International Women’s Day on 8^th March 2021. The celebrations were held both virtually (zoom) and physically at KUCC, Interaction Hall from 3pm -5pm. 

International Women's Day, celebrated every year on 8^th March, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Each year there is a theme associated with the day and this year’s theme was “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.”  The theme celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme was supported with a campaign theme, “#ChooseToChallenge” that challenges the world to rise up, support gender equality, fight against inequality and support an inclusive world.

IWD is annually held on March 8 to celebrate and recognise women's achievements throughout and across nations.  It also a time to reflect on the progress made to the call for change and celebrate acts of courage and determination by women.

This year’s celebration at Kenyatta University was graced by two Chief Guests; Prof. Nancy E. Glass, Associate Director of the John Hopkins Center for Global Health and Hon. Priscilla Nyokabi Kanyua, Commissioner, The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC). The Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University, Prof. Paul K. Wainaina, also graced the occasion.

In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor, Kenyatta University, Prof. Paul K. Wainaina noted that, although the world has made exceptional advances, no country has achieved gender equality. Women and girls are still facing challenges that are punctuated by poverty, age, education disparities, unchanged laws and stringent cultures. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly shown the existing gender inequalities and stalled progress. The Vice Chancellor urged the participants to recognize and accept the fact that women and girls in Kenya have unlimited potential which has not been exploited due to the multifaceted barriers. Gender-based violence being at the top of the list. It is time to empower women and let them occupy leadership positions and have a voice in decision making and as policy makers for an empowered woman is an empowered world.

Chief Guest, Hon. Priscilla Nyokabi Kanyua, Commissioner, The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) encored that there have been several initiatives developed to promote the inclusion, participation and representation of women in varying sectors of life, all of which have yielded some gains.  These gains include the inclusion of gender issues in legal, policy, budgets, plans and institutional frameworks, mainstreaming gender in public and private life, establishing affirmative actions, programs, resources, and setting gender quotas in various sectors that encourage women empowerment. Such initiatives begun as early as 1952 through the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake movement that fought for women rights in the colonial period.

Hon. Nyokabi noted that, despite the efforts made by the government to ensure gender equality and curb discrimination, women and girls in Kenya continue to face structural, cultural, political and institutional barriers. Our male dominated society frowns upon women in leadership. The female population continues to lack adequate resources like land and access to training opportunities in Sciences, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Further, Hon. Nyokabi recognised trail blazers like Hon. Phoebe Asiyo, Hon. Beth Mugo Hon. Martha Karua and Prof. Wanjiku Kabira for individually and collectively championing for gender equality issues in Kenya. This led to a change in the Constitution of Kenya 2010 that introduced a new chapter for the women of Kenya with gender equality anchored as one of the key national principles.

Hon. Nyokabi concluded by applauding the government for sustained efforts towards women economic empowerment programs during the COVID -19 pandemic and recommended that such efforts should continue even after the pandemic.

Chief Guest, Prof. Nancy E. Glass, Associate Director of the John Hopkins Centre for Global Health, to echo the previous speakers emphasized that, women and girls face gross inequities, both private and public inequities, that we value as a global community for survival. She encouraged women to assert their rights, question their roles in society, challenge power structures, and effect positive social change (Feminist Leadership).

Additionally, Prof. Glass underscored that women shouldn’t simply added onto existing structures, but also transform those structures to allow for women’s meaningful participation and leadership, promote women’s meaningful participation in decision making, from the local to the national level, gender parity on COVID-19-related decision-making bodies and processes, working with local women-led and women’s rights organizations, movements, and leaders to identify barriers that hinder women’s participation in leadership and come up with ways to address and dismantle the barriers and ensure the availability and accessibility of key services such as Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) prevention organisations and facilities

The event ended with a clear message from all the speakers that women and girls are imperative in the process of decision making and therefore need to be empowered by giving the leadership positions. Advocate for inclusion of women policy making processes in spite of nationality, race, linguistic, cultural, political or economic status. Women in leadership is NOT a zero sum game and it is not at the expense of men. 

Prof. Judith N. Waudo, Director, Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment and KU-WEE Hub Leader, delivers her remarks during the International Women’s Day Celebrations on at KUCC Interaction Hall on 8^th March 2021

Miss. Martha Nyambane, Vice Chairperson, KUSA makes her remarks at the International Women’s Day Celebrations

Participants listening to presentations during the during the International Women’s Day Celebrations on at KUCC Interaction Hall on 8^th March 2021.

(Left to right) - Dr. Regina Mwatha, KU-WEE Hub, Project Leader, Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, Director, ACTIL, Prof. Judith Waudo, Director, CGEE, Prof. Grace Bunyi, Registrar, Corporate Affairs

(Back)- Dr. Mildred Nawiri, Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, Miss. Martha Nyambane, Vice Chairperson, KUSA at the International Women’s Day Celebrations

Dr. Regina Mwatha, KU-WEE Hub, Project Leader, Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, Director, ACTIL, Prof. Judith Waudo, Director, CGEE, Prof. Grace Bunyi, Registrar, Corporate Affairs, with some of the attendees during the International Women’s Day Celebrations

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Last Updated: 24 March 2021