Breaking the cycle of gender violence

Happy New Year!!

On behalf of GEMINI, I wish to pass my best New Year regards to each of you.

Just a quick update on what we were up to during the last quarter. As we have realized, achieving behavioral change amongst community stakeholders is a tedious process that requires tact, patience and resources.

During the last quarter of 2010, we separately engaged community gatekeepers, including teachers, healthcare providers, women leaders, among others. In November and December, we identified several church leaders and organized a two-day retreat for interdenominational religious leaders.

"We feel privileged to be part of this healing process," said Rev. Joash Nyakundi, one of the participants and the leader of a pentecostal church. "Most of these community members are our congregation and our participation will increase the level of impact with them."

The strategy seeks to round major stakeholders to a discussion table to facilitate the opening up of debate on gender-based violence. GEMINI works with the assumption that if violence is openly discussed, then more women will rethink their current attitude of accepting the violence without reporting to the police.

During the last quarter of the year, we were able to bring together 48 community members for discussion and debate on various solutions, including 12 church leaders. All the participants have continued to agree that for such measure to be more successful, we need to include the participation of law enforcers and the judicial system.

These will be our priorities for 2011.

For now, we continue to express our sincere gratitude to each of you for your constant donations, feedback and comments on our projects. We value your participation and hope that this new year will strengthen this partnership.

Again, have a prosperous 2011 and remember, we still need your support!

Stella