North RIFT Theatre Ambassadors

Joint Reflection Forum updates:
The Joint Reflection Forum successfully united Western region PLEAD II partners supported by UNDP Kenya European Union in Kenya UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa in a dynamic platform designed to foster a rich exchange of insights and lessons learned from the project's implementation.

💡 Key Focus Areas
Discussions and reflections centered on critical themes essential to enhancing access to justice:

SGBV/Gender Justice: Partners shared effective models and challenges in addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

Paralegalism: Best practices for strengthening the capacity and reach of paralegal services were exchanged.

Alternative Justice System (AJS) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Experiences in leveraging community-based and non-formal justice mechanisms were highlighted.

Legal Aid and Access to Justice: Successful strategies for delivering essential legal support were documented.

✅ Objectives Achieved
The forum successfully met its core objectives, resulting in tangible outcomes:

Vibrant Inter-Learning Platform Created: Partners actively engaged in the exchange and documentation of best practices. This initiative inspired potential collaborations and identified scalable solutions that can be adapted and implemented across different counties.

Collaborative Network Developed: A robust network of stakeholders was established, united by a shared goal of shaping and advocating for policies and frameworks that strengthen the delivery of access to justice.

Strategic Networking Fostered: The forum facilitated strategic networking among partners, significantly improving prospects for collaborations on future projects.

Knowledge Product Initiated: The foundation was laid for the creation of a comprehensive knowledge product, synthesizing the shared insights and lessons learned to guide future programming and policy advocacy efforts.

The collaborative spirit and shared commitment demonstrated at the forum empowered partners to recognize their collective voice as a stronger, more impactful tool for advocacy and for influencing existing policies to drive meaningful change.

Today marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism and we are launching this crucial campaign under the theme:Ending digital violence against all women and girls.

The launch was powered by community strength and partnership, and we kicked off the campaign with an inspiring women's football match held in Cheptiret. Football is more than just a game; it's a powerful tool for healing, relieving stress, and building strong bonds.

We are incredibly honored to partner with the Uasin Gishu County Government and the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Organization (CSO) Network to amplify this message and work towards a safer future for all.

During our launch event in Cheptiret, we heard powerful and moving testimonies from survivors who turned their pain into purpose. Their stories offered a singular, powerful message: There is life after broken relationships, and women should not tolerate violence in their relationships.

Here are their inspiring journeys of recovery and success:

🗣️ Tecla: "I was married for nine years in Burnt Forest where I experienced a lot of violence . It is essential to not tolerate violence and walk out of abusive relationships.The Seiyo community embraced me warmly and although I was stressed I got to relieve my stress through football. I am now proud to be a member of the Grannies Football Club"

🗣️ Gaudencia: "I was a r**e victim at 17 years and later experienced violence in my marriage, but I found the strength to leave the abusive relationship. I went back to college and have now secured a decent job."

These incredible women are a testament to the fact that survival is not the end of the story it's the beginning of a powerful chapter of growth, success and self-worth.

Let's stand together to and create a world where every woman and girl can live a life free from fear and violence, both online and offline.

All this is under our project Justice Under the shed generously supported by European Union in Kenya under UNDP Kenya Amkeni project.

We are celebrating a huge success today in Moiben Ward, Moiben Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County

Close to 100 dedicated women attended our Empowerment Session supported by European Union in Kenya UNDP Kenya UNODC Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa on legal matters.

What We Achieved Today (The Essentials):
Protecting Your Property: We taught the women the MUST-KNOWs about Succession Law and Matrimonial Property. Now they understand how to legally protect their land, assets, and inheritance for themselves and their children, especially after divorce or widowhood.

Fighting Abuse: A critical session on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), including recognizing the signs of economic violence. Knowing your rights is the first defense

Every woman who attended today is encouraged to share this powerful knowledge with at least three other women. "We have learned a lot today and we promise to share this information with other women who were not privileged to attend this forum.This is less than ¼ of the total population of women in this ward " Said one of the participants.