Empowering Communities in Isiolo: Local Solutions to Combat GBV

Two-Day Training with Duty Bearers and Women-Led Organisations Sets the Foundation for Localised Solutions in Burat and Ngaremara

Isiolo, Kenya — In a significant step towards addressing the rampant issue of gender-based violence (GBV), the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), in collaboration with Plan International Kenya, has launched a pioneering two-day training in Isiolo for duty bearers and women-led organisations. The focus was clear: to create a community-driven, sustainable model for combating GBV across the Burat and Ngaremara wards.

The event brought together key local stakeholders including local government officials, women's rights advocates, community leaders, and representatives from Special Interest Groups such as youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The training aimed to empower these stakeholders to develop a localized referral system for GBV victims, enabling quicker, more effective responses to the issue at the community level.

"Local solutions are the key to preventing GBV," said lotaruk, emphasizing the importance of mapping existing gaps in GBV response mechanisms and cocreating efficient and accessible referral systems tailored to the unique needs of the community. “The communities know their challenges best, and their involvement in crafting solutions ensures sustainability and relevance,” lotaruk added.

This approach underscores a pivotal shift towards community-led action, ensuring that those who experience GBV are supported by a responsive, local network of services. The initiative also highlights the NGEC’s commitment to gender equality, prioritising the voices of women, youth, PWDs, and other marginalized groups who are often disproportionately affected by violence.

The training involved comprehensive discussions on the various forms of GBV, the importance of data collection in tracking the issue, and how communities can take charge of creating systems that address prevention, reporting, and recovery. A key component of the sessions was the emphasis on community ownership, which ensures that the local population is not only educated but also accountable for the effectiveness of these solutions.

Research shows that localised approaches to addressing GBV are not only more accessible but also more effective in creating lasting change. A data-driven model, which combines local knowledge with evidence-based strategies, was central to the discussions. Stakeholders were encouraged to leverage local resources and networks, making it easier for survivors to access services such as medical care, legal support, and counselling.

“This training is not just about creating systems; it’s about empowering individuals to drive lasting change,” said Plan International Kenya Representative. “By working with women-led organisations and local duty bearers, we are not only fighting GBV but also strengthening the fabric of these communities to ensure a safe, equal environment for everyone.”

With the commitment of local communities, this initiative represents a crucial step forward in the fight against GBV, ensuring that no one is left behind. It highlights the transformative power of community involvement in tackling some of the most pressing issues affecting women and vulnerable groups in Kenya today.

Participants from Burat and Ngaremara wards during the two-day GBV training in Isiolo, led by NGEC and Plan International Kenya to strengthen community-driven