CSONetwork

Last week, we organized a Community Baraza on Positive Masculinity in Cheptais, Mt. Elgon, bringing together Bukusu, Teso, and Sabaot elders and traditional leaders for men only dialogues focused on challenging harmful social norms and promoting gender equality. The discussions addressed GBV, child defilement, teenage marriages, widow inheritance, land displacement, and other harmful cultural practices while also co creating community action plans with cultural elders. The Council of Elders also highlighted the misuse of social media through pseudo accounts spreading misinformation, fear, and incitement as an emerging early warning sign in the area. This activity is part of the Strengthening the Rights of SGBV Survivors project funded by @AICS_Nairobi through @unwomenkenya and implemented in partnership with @PHRKenya⁠. #SurvivorRights #PositiveMasculinity #EndGBV #GenderEquality #MtElgon @bettyokero @aics_it

To all mothers, thank you for your endless love, strength, sacrifice, and care. You are the heartbeat of families and the foundation of society. #HappyMothersDay!

Happy Labour Day! ✊🏾 We celebrate the resilience and hard work of all workers driving change in our communities. Your voice and rights matter. #LabourDay #WorkersRights #HakiNiYetu

Bringing together grassroots organizations in Bungoma for a capacity-building session aimed at strengthening collaboration for more effective advocacy, accountability, and community impact across Bungoma County through the #HakiNiYetu Project. The session is taking stock of the current state of the grassroots organization network in Bungoma, while reflecting on why stronger coordination and collaboration are essential for driving collective advocacy and enhancing accountability in service delivery. #HakiNiYetu #BungomaCSOs #GrassrootsOrganizing #CapacityBuilding #AdvocacyForChange #Accountability

We joined the Kisumu Gender Sector Working Group meeting yesterday as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen referral pathways in readiness for the protection, response, and effective management of GBV cases across the county. This follow up engagement brought together key stakeholders committed to ensuring systems are responsive and survivor centered. A key focus of the discussion was the establishment of a Situation Room an important coordination mechanism in addressing GBV cases especially during the electioneering period. Its role will be critical in enhancing real time response coordination and accountability among actors working to prevent and respond to GBV. As we approach the elections such proactive measures remain essential in safeguarding communities and ensuring that survivors can access timely and dignified support. #SurvivorRights #EndGBV #GBVPrevention #AccessToJustice #ElectionPreparedness #EVAWG #KisumuCounty #GenderEquality #HumanRights #Accountability #SafeCommunities @PHRKenya @aics_it @AICS_Nairobi @unwomenkenya

We wrapped up this week’s onboarding workshops for ASAL Cluster CACEG grantees from Kericho and Narok. Through the #HakiNiYetu project, we remain committed to strengthening grassroots efforts in democracy, gender equality, and environmental justice. #HakiNiYetu

@CSONetwork @PHRKenya @KisumuCountyKE @unwomenafrica @WomenHRDs @ConcernsWomen Strategies for coordination between the different response units is important for a seamless and functional early warning prevention, protection and response system

In our continued efforts to strengthen the rights of SGBV survivors, we are convening in Kisumu alongside @PHRKenya and the @KisumuCountyKE, through the Gender Department, for a stakeholders’ meeting focused on preventing Electoral Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG). The meeting focuses on reviewing the Joint Action Plan on EVAWG 2026–2027, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that stakeholders, duty bearers, and partners are aligned and actively engaged in early warning and early response mechanisms. This conversation is especially important as Kisumu remains one of the identified hotspots for electoral-related violence, where women and girls often face heightened risks. Strengthening coordination and preparedness now is key to ensuring their safety, protection, and meaningful participation in the electoral process. #SurvivorRights #SGBVRepsonse #EndSGBV #EVAWG #Kisumu #CollectiveAction @AICS_Nairobi @aics_it @unwomenkenya @bettyokero

As part of the ASAL cluster under the #HakiNiYetu Project, supported by @EUinKenya, we’ve successfully onboarded our CACEG grantees in Bungoma County. This marks a key step in strengthening grassroots and county-based organizations driving change in their communities. #HakiNiYetu

Through this onboarding exercise, the grantees are better equipped to advance accountable governance, promote gender equality & champion environmental justice, fostering sustainable, community-led solutions while amplifying local voices. #HakiNiYetu

Together with our partner @PHRKenya, we convened the Gender Sector Working Group Meeting in Bungoma, bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen coordination and collaboration to address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. The convening opened with the presentation of the 2025 GBV Status Report, offering a clear picture of current trends, gaps, and emerging risks. These insights are not just data; they are a call to action. They help shape early warning and early response strategies, especially as we approach next year's general elections, a period that often heightens vulnerabilities for women and girls. Bungoma stands at a particularly critical moment. With this year marking a cultural circumcision season, there is a heightened risk of increased SGBV cases, as has been observed in past cycles. This makes coordinated prevention, community engagement, and survivor-centered response more urgent than ever. #EndSGBV #SGBVResponse #SurvivorRights @AICS_Nairobi @aics_it @unwomenkenya @bettyokero

The right to assemble and demonstrate is constitutionally guaranteed. We call on the @NPSC_KE to uphold the law and avoid any excesses; we will be closely monitoring. We urge @IPOA_KE to remain vigilant. Protestors: Stay peaceful, stay safe. #CivicSpaceKE

We’re excited to welcome our new Civic Action & Community Empowerment Grant (CACEG) partners from the ASAL region! 🎉 Through the #HakiNiYetu project, we’ll support their efforts to strengthen communities, advance democracy, and promote equality and human rights. #HakiNiYetu

In case you missed our Q1 newsletter stories, here’s one highlight. We feature an impactful story on @WHRDhub and the incredible work they are doing in informal settlements to strengthen GBV response systems. Read more: informaction.tv/creating-safer… #HakiNiYetu #WatchDiscussAct

We extend our warmest wishes to you and your families for a blessed and peaceful Easter. May this time bring joy, strength, and renewed purpose to all. #HappyEaster

Today marked a significant step forward in advancing justice and dignity for widows in Siaya County. Following the submission of our memorandum, “Give to Gain: Investing in Tenure Security for Widows for Economic and Social Security,” the Siaya Widows Network, a #HakiNiYetu grantee, engaged key duty bearers in meaningful conversations aimed at strengthening access to justice and land rights for widows. At the Siaya Law Courts, the memorandum was formally received by the Court Administrator on behalf of the Head of Station. Our discussions focused on building a collaborative partnership with the Judiciary to enhance civic education and awareness on court processes. This is a critical step toward demystifying legal procedures and ensuring that widows are better equipped to seek and access justice without fear or confusion. We also presented the memorandum to the County Land Registrar, who affirmed his commitment to supporting widows by ensuring that land-related matters are handled efficiently and within clear timelines. This pledge is particularly important, as many widows continue to face exploitation and, in some cases, lose their property due to limited knowledge and delayed processes. Our engagement with the Speaker of the County Assembly centered on the implementation of the Siaya County Widows Protection Act (2025). Key discussions highlighted the urgent need for adequate budgetary allocation to operationalize the Act and ensure that its promise translates into real protection and support for widows across the county. #HakiNiYetu #WidowsRights #AccessToJustice #LandRights #SiayaCounty #GiveToGain @bettyokero @NGECKenya

This morning, we paid a courtesy call to Hon. Jenipher Mbatiany, Deputy Governor of Bungoma County, engaging in a meaningful conversation on the projects we have been implementing across the county. At the heart of the discussion was our commitment to ensuring SGBV survivors can access justice and live with dignity. The meeting offered an important moment to reflect on our journey since 2021, take stock of the progress made, and appreciate the impact created within communities through strengthened systems and partnerships. We also explored the powerful role of women’s leadership in driving economic and social transformation. Women continue to shape governance spaces, champion accountability, and lead change at the grassroots in ways that are both impactful and sustainable. Looking ahead to 2027, the conversation opened up early thinking around preparedness, especially on strengthening early warning mechanisms and amplifying the role of women in fostering peaceful, inclusive, and responsive processes. #WomenLeadership #AccessToJustice #GenderEquality #WomenInLeadership #WomenEmpowerment #2027Preparedness @aics_it @AICS_Nairobi @unwomenkenya @PHRKenya @bettyokero

Today, we brought together boda boda leaders from Kopsiro and Cheptais sub-counties in Mt. Elgon for a powerful dialogue on strengthening GBV referral pathways and ensuring survivors can access justice, protection, and care. The conversation surfaced the harsh realities communities are facing, rising cases of defilement and teenage pregnancy, silence and harmful cultural practices, and frustrations with how some cases are handled within the justice system. Riders shared their lived experiences, highlighting both their willingness to help and the challenges they face, including fear, stigma, and lack of trust in existing systems. What stood out was the honesty in the room, the riders are already encountering these cases daily, sometimes stepping in to help, but often feeling unsupported or exposed when systems fail. This engagement opened up practical steps: clearer referral processes, mapping of contacts, and the need for stronger accountability from duty bearers. It also challenged riders to take a firm stand, not just in responding to cases, but in refusing to be part of violence and harmful practices within the community. #BreakTheSilence #SurvivorRights #MtElgon #BodaBodaForChange #AccessToJustice #CommunityAction #ProtectHer #StopDefilement @AICS_Nairobi @PHRKenya @unwomenafrica @bettyokero