Build a Rescue Center for GBV survivors in Kenya

Kajiado Training and Rescue Centre report.

We are one of the few safe Shelters available in Nairobi that caters for women who are survivors of GBV. We receive survivors together with their children, and take them through their journey of healing to a point where they can take care of themselves. Our shelter is a beacon of hope for many women and children who are survivors of various types of abuse and neglect. The shelter was established in 2007 and has successfully provided sanctuary to over 4000 women and children. At full capacity, we are able to host 100 women, girls & children at a time.

We had a successful launch for the rescue Centre and we were very excited that we are soon owning our own home and end the long stressful journey of leasing homes. We successfully started off the construction and did the foundation and part off the walls in February. Unfortunately, the construction was halted due to the heavy rains and flooding that caused a lot of damaged on the road.

We are waiting for the intervention of the Government to build the road for the community and resume the project.

Challenges

The halt of a project was caused by, Road infrastructure damage, supply chain disruption and safety concerns.

Road Infrastructure Damage: Natural disasters, including severe rains and floodings. Have caused significant damage to the main access roads leading to construction site

We are one of the few safe Shelters available in Nairobi that caters for women who are survivors of GBV. We receive survivors together with their children, and take them through their journey of healing to a point where they can take care of themselves. Our shelter is a beacon of hope for many women and children who are survivors of various types of abuse and neglect. The shelter was established in 2007 and has successfully provided sanctuary to over 3000 women and children. At full capacity, we are able to host 100 women, girls & children at a time.

Presently, we operate from leased rescue centres. While these facilities have allowed us to make significant strides, we believe that a dedicated, purpose-built facility would greatly enhance our ability to serve our communities. Woman’s Hope wellness center is located in Langata, Nairobi Kenya. The center serves as a safe haven for survivors of gender-based violence. The center provides various services, including counseling, legal aid, and temporary shelter, to support survivors on their journey towards healing and empowerment.

Ground breaking at out Kajiado rescue centre

One of the most effective ways of dealing with the financial constraint challenge is building our own center. This will help reduce some recurrent bills like rent. We are excited that this journey was commenced with a ground breaking event held on 2^nd December 2023 at the construction site in Kajiado County. The groundbreaking event for the building of the rescue center marked a significant milestone in our journey to independence as we will soon have our own place.

The event aimed to rally community support, raise awareness about GBV, commission the building project, and garner financial assistance for the project's sustainability. Through the event we were able to raise awareness among the community members of the neighborhood since GBV is very rampant in the area.  It served as a platform to emphasize the importance of combating GBV and creating a safer environment for all. The event also mobilized people into financial contribution towards the construction project. We were able to raise $10,000 in cash and in kind which has enabled the commencement of Phase 1.  Approximately 200 individuals attended the groundbreaking event, including community members, local leaders, and project stakeholders. Our guest of honor for the event was HE Madam Tessy Mudavadi the wife to the Prime cabinet secretary of Kenya, The impressive turnout underscored the community's commitment to addressing GBV. The attendees showed their strong will to curb Gender based violence in the society.

The Kajiado construction project is aimed at creating a permanent and more efficient space for the gender based violence victims. The rescue and Vocational Training Center will be a multi-functional facility. It will be equipped with comfortable living quarters, fully-equipped classrooms for learning and skill development, workshops for vocational training, and spaces dedicated to wellness programs. The Center will not only provide shelter but also offer a wide range of programs focused on skill development, entrepreneurship, wellness, and more, helping women and girls forge a new, sustainable path for themselves and their families.

Links:

• Womans Hope Facebook page
• Womans Hope Website