Build a Rescue Center for GBV survivors in Kenya

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

We officially launched Phase 2 of the Building A Rescue Center initiative, which was the Ground breaking of the project. Our mantra; ‘Join us in building a home for survivors of social injustice’. Woman’s Hope was established as a Safe House Center for Survivors of Gender Based violence. Our experience has given us reason to extend our work to social justice.

Late last year we encountered a case that is at the core of this project. A heavily pregnant 10-year-old girl, her innocence and child hood stolen. The abuser is unknown. We took her in to oversee her safe delivery and she is currently being taught how to be a child mom. We plan to support her and connect her to well-wishers who can fund her education once she is ready to resume school.

It is for such reasons and the continued abuse of vulnerable women that we are building the center. The center will serve as a refuge for them, as well as a training center to ensure the women are self-capable and can support their families once they recover. These services will also be extended to vulnerable girls and women in need of hard skills to support themselves in the community. Over the last 2 years, we have been training caregivers and house managers. The training helps the trainees to acquire employable skills. We have trained over 200 girls in our caregivers’ program.

We recently held a successful fundraiser dinner that was aimed at funding the laying of the foundation. The Equity bank of Kenya gave a huge donation to push us through part of the foundation work. We were additionally supported by The Rotaract Club of Kikuyu. We continue to look for well-wishers to push our initiative for the sake of vulnerable women in our community.