Shining a Light on Gender Equality: Panasonic and JICA Partner to Combat GBV in Rural Kenya

A Beacon of Hope for Orinie Village

In a transformative step towards gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), Panasonic Holdings Corporation, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched the “Light Up the Future Project.” This innovative initiative aims to empower women, tackle GBV, and improve the responses of county governments to these pressing issues, beginning with a pilot phase in Orinie Village, Kajiado County.

The collaboration, rooted in the belief that access to basic resources like light can make a significant difference in communities, has already yielded a remarkable donation from Panasonic: 100 solar lanterns.

These lanterns will provide critical lighting to households in Orinie Village, where many women face the added burden of insecurity due to a lack of reliable lighting after dark. The initiative comes as part of a broader effort to create GBV-free villages and promote safety for women and girls in rural areas.

The solar lanterns are more than just a tool for illumination they represent hope and opportunity for the women of Orinie Village, who often find themselves vulnerable after sundown.

In the absence of proper lighting, many women are restricted from freely moving around or participating in community activities, which further deepens their marginalization and risks of abuse. By providing clean, renewable lighting solutions, Panasonic is helping to break down these barriers, ensuring that women can be active participants in their communities, even after nightfall.

“We believe that empowering women and ensuring their safety is fundamental to creating a sustainable, just society,” said a Panasonic representative during a courtesy visit to the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC). “By providing these solar lanterns, we hope to not only brighten homes but also shed light on the importance of women’s empowerment and GBV prevention.” The pilot phase of the project is centered around the creation of GBV- free villages, with Orinie Village acting as the first beneficiary. This initiative is designed to offer much-needed relief to women who have long suffered in the shadows of violence, offering them the support they need to thrive and build safer, more resilient communities.

A Strategic Partnership for Long- Term Change

The collaboration with JICA further enhances the project's reach and impact, bringing together the expertise of both organizations to build a comprehensive response to GBV at the local government level.

The project is aimed at helping county governments develop and implement policies that not only address GBV but also provide sustainable solutions to support survivors.

“The ‘Light Up the Future Project’ is more than just a solar-powered initiative,” said Koyier, EBS, Ag. Chairperson.

“It is a holistic approach to addressing the systemic challenges women face, by creating safer environments and fostering active community involvement in ending GBV.

As the project progresses, the goal is to expand its scope beyond Orinie Village to other communities across Kenya, ultimately creating a network of villages that are free from gender- based violence. By supporting county governments and working closely with local leaders, the initiative is expected to drive long-term change, improving both the safety and well- being of women and girls in Kenya.

Looking ahead, the “Light Up the Future Project” represents a bold vision for empowering women across Kenya, particularly in rural and marginalized areas.     With Panasonic’s contribution of solar lanterns and the support of JICA, the project is poised to light the way forward for many more communities.

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), which also hosted the delegation, commended the initiative for its alignment with the commission’s goals of reducing inequality and eliminating GBV. As part of its mission, NGEC will continue to support and amplify such efforts, working closely with both local and international partners to ensure that gender equality becomes a reality for all Kenyans.

For now, the women of Orinie Village, Kajiado, can look forward to brighter evenings, safer homes, and, most importantly, a future free from violence. As the pilot phase continues to unfold, there is hope that other villages and counties will benefit from this vital initiative, lighting up not just homes but the path to equality for generations to come.

Thomas Koyier, EBS Ag. Chairperson, hands over solar lanterns to a beneficiary