In Msambweni, Kwale County, about 30 girls from vulnerable families are set to benefit from a 13-month empowerment programme.
At least 70% of the target group includes girls raised exclusively by widows, and 30% includes girls between the ages of 18 and 35 who were raised by widows.
This program is called “PISSCA”. Twadjali Wadjane director Mwanaisha Gaselego said the project aims to support the empowerment of girls to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and sexual rights.
Ms Gaselego said most children in widowed families are often affected by GBV in some way.
“The vast majority of widows have experienced a lot of devastation, which is passed on to their children living in their families,” she says.
She said many of the girls who were widowed or widowed were victims of sexual abuse.
Gaselego said girls can be doubly influenced through childhood and marriage.
He said the project will ensure the target groups are included through psychosocial support, empowerment and exposure to referral channels and human rights law to build resilience.
Tuwajali Wajane is a Kwale-based NGO that advocates for the rights of widows and provides opportunities for empowerment on economic issues for leadership, inheritance, and self-reliance.
Ms Gaselego said girls will be educated about the different forms of GBV and how to report and protect themselves.
He said the selected group is expected to train other groups to reduce the growing vice of GBV in the region.
The director said the project brings together various stakeholders and provides insight and support to strengthen campaigns against gender-based violence.
Mr Gaselego said the rights of most widows and their children were violated due to a lack of understanding of human rights.
The program empowers girls and increases GBV awareness and reporting.
Mr. Gaselego said that through the project, he will ensure that all reported cases of sexual and physical violence are dealt with and justice is served.
Twadjali Wadjane board member and mediator Rashid Mbwiza said GBV incidents were one of the major challenges affecting the Kwale community.
He said the program will facilitate the fight against vice in the region.
Mr Mbwiza said the project would help provide a deeper understanding of the Constitution on issues of human rights, equality and the third gender rule.
“Among the topics of discussion will be fair opportunities in development, health, education and socio-economic empowerment, especially for vulnerable groups,” he said.
Msambweni Deputy County Children’s Officer Johnston Kibuli welcomed the program, adding that it would help curb GBV cases.
He said the project comes at a time when children and communities need massive support to free themselves from vice.
Mr Kivri said GBV was destroying the lives of many children and taming the problem required a multi-stakeholder approach and unity.
