Empowering Isiolo Communities to End Gender-Based Violence and FGM

Isiolo County, Kenya – The Isiolo Regional Office has taken a bold and essential step in championing the rights of women and girls through its recent involvement in the ‘POWER’ Project workshop in Kinna Ward, Isiolo County. The initiative, dedicated to eradicating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), is a beacon of progress and resilience in the fight against harmful practices that continue to impact women and girls across the region.

Building a Stronger Community Action Team

The ‘POWER’ Project is a collaborative effort aimed at empowering communities by establishing an anti-FGM referral pathway, building a robust community action team, and enhancing both preventive and responsive mechanisms to protect women’s rights. This workshop marks a pivotal advancement in strengthening community-led approaches to safeguarding women and girls and fostering safer, more equitable communities.

At the heart of the workshop’s agenda was the formation of a dedicated community action team. This team, composed of local leaders, activists, health practitioners, and community members, is equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to take a proactive stance against FGM and GBV. By empowering local champions to take ownership of these issues, the project fosters sustainable change that aligns with community values while prioritizing the well-being of women and girls.

The community action team’s mandate is to not only raise awareness but to mobilize local resources and implement community-centered solutions that address the root causes of FGM and GBV. This grassroots approach ensures that those most affected by these harmful practices are at the forefront of creating change, a strategy that has proven effective in areas where traditional methods have faced resistance.

Establishing a Robust Anti-FGM Referral Pathway

A key component of the ‘POWER’ Project is the establishment of a referral pathway for FGM cases, which is crucial for timely intervention and comprehensive support. This pathway links survivors of FGM with healthcare providers, legal aid, psychosocial support, and law enforcement, offering them a structured and supportive system that addresses their immediate needs while seeking long-term solutions. By streamlining these services, the pathway facilitates swift action, increasing the chances of successful intervention and helping prevent future cases.

“Creating a well-defined referral pathway empowers our communities to respond effectively to FGM cases and provides survivors with the support they need to rebuild their lives,” noted Anthony Alyaro from the Isiolo Regional Office. “This initiative is about more than just ending FGM; it’s about ensuring that survivors have the resources and support they need to live free from violence and with dignity.”

Enhancing Preventive and Responsive Mechanisms

Preventing FGM and GBV requires an integrated approach that combines education, advocacy, and policy enforcement. The workshop also focused on enhancing existing mechanisms by training community members and leaders in identifying and reporting cases of FGM and GBV, thus promoting a culture of accountability and vigilance. Through regular community meetings, workshops, and awareness campaigns, the project equips community members with the skills to recognize signs of violence and intervene in ways that are safe, effective, and culturally sensitive.

A United Call to Action for a Violence-Free Future

The ‘POWER’ Project workshop in Kinna Ward was more than an event; it was a call to action for the entire community. It emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies, non- governmental organizations, and the community to create a comprehensive, sustainable response to FGM and GBV.

The Isiolo Regional Office and its partners recognize that true change is only possible when communities come together to support and protect one another. By uniting in this common purpose, they are building a future where women and girls can thrive in a safe, supportive environment free from violence.

Towards a Brighter Future for Women and Girls

With initiatives like the ‘POWER’ Project, NGEC is strengthening its commitment to protect and empower women and girls across Kenya. This project serves as a model for addressing FGM and GBV by leveraging community strength and fostering a culture of respect and equality.

By putting power in the hands of the community, NGEC and its partners are creating a future where every woman and girl in Isiolo—and across Kenya—can live free from violence and oppression.

As we move forward, NGEC encourages everyone to play a part in building safer communities, advocating for women’s rights, and standing together against violence. Let us unite to create a legacy of strength, resilience, and empowerment that will guide future generations toward a life of dignity, equality, and peace.

Anthony Alyaro from the Isiolo Regional Office shares insights at the ‘POWER’ Project workshop