Creating Safer Communities: Women Human Rights Defenders Strengthening Gender‑Based Violence Response Systems in Kenya’s Informal Settlements

Across Kenya’s informal settlements, gender-based violence (GBV) often remains hidden behind silence, stigma, and systemic barriers. Survivors frequently face intimidation, limited access to justice, and inadequate support services. In communities already grappling with poverty and marginalization, many survivors struggle to find trusted pathways to report abuse or seek help.

However, a powerful shift is underway. Through the “Enhancing Access to Information and Service Delivery to GBV Survivors and Victims in Informal Settlements” project implemented by the Women Human Rights Defenders Hub (WHRD Hub), community-based first responders are emerging as critical lifelines for survivors.

With support from Haki Ni Yetu, funded by the EU Delegation to Kenya, the initiative was able to create ways for Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in the informal settlements across Nairobi, Kisumu and Meru Counties.

The Challenge: Limited Support for Survivors

Before the project began, the response systems for GBV survivors in many informal settlements were fragmented and often ineffective. First responders who are usually community-based activists or volunteers were frequently the first point of contact for survivors. Yet many lacked sufficient knowledge about GBV laws, trauma-informed care, and referral mechanisms.

Without proper training or support, cases were sometimes mishandled, and survivors risked being retraumatized. Weak coordination between communities and duty bearers such as police officers, healthcare workers, and government officials further complicated the process of accessing justice.

Cultural stigma surrounding GBV also discouraged many survivors from speaking out. Fear of retaliation, corruption, and the high costs associated with medical and legal processes made reporting violence difficult. Additionally, shelters and specialized services for survivors were scarce, especially in informal settlements.

At the same time, first responders themselves faced immense emotional strain. Constant exposure to traumatic stories without adequate support often led to burnout, making it difficult to sustain their advocacy work.

Recognizing these gaps, the WHRD Hub designed an intervention that would strengthen both the skills and well-being of community-based defenders while building stronger relationships with local institutions.

Community First Responders equipped with knowledge and tools to better address GBV or something similar

The project began with a baseline study conducted between October and November 2024 in the three project counties. The study assessed awareness levels, available services, and barriers faced by GBV survivors in informal settlements. The baseline study included interviews with 84 WHRDs, 15 key informant interviews with duty-bearers and eight focus group discussions that reached additional 64 WHRDs.

Building on this evidence, the WHRD Hub organized a two-day sensitization workshop in November 2024, bringing together 15 first responders from Nairobi, Kisumu, and Meru. The training focused on understanding the different forms of GBV, relevant legal frameworks, trauma-informed care, and effective referral pathways.

One Women Human Rights Defender from Mathare in Nairobi described how the training transformed her work:

“Before the training, I struggled with referrals because I didn’t know who to contact, and many survivors feared reporting cases. Now I’ve documented six cases and successfully linked survivors to services. The dialogues also helped me build relationships with police officers, which has reduced delays in getting justice.”

Participants also received guidance on self-care and wellness strategies to help them manage the emotional demands of their work.

To expand awareness within communities, the project organized fifteen community dialogues known as barazas, between January and June 2025. These forums brought together residents, community leaders, police officers, healthcare workers, and other duty bearers to openly discuss GBV challenges and identify solutions.

In Meru County, first responders reported increased community participation in GBV prevention efforts. One defender from Majengo highlighted how the community dialogues helped shift attitudes:

“The barazas opened conversations that were previously avoided. Men in the community have begun supporting our work and speaking out against violence. This change is powerful.”

The dialogues helped break the silence around GBV while building trust between communities and institutions responsible for addressing violence.

Real Change in Communities

Armed with new knowledge and stronger networks, first responders began documenting and supporting GBV cases more effectively, while also leveraging media platforms to call for an end to GBV. Over the course of the project, they documented and assisted in 24 GBV cases, including incidents of rape and defilement across the three counties.

These cases were not only reported but also followed through with referrals to medical facilities, police units, and other support services.

In Kisumu County, another first responder shared how the initiative strengthened collaboration with duty bearers:

“We handled ten cases, including four involving children. The virtual sessions helped us connect with chiefs and other officials who even offered transport support for survivors seeking services. The wellness clinic also helped me manage burnout and renew my energy for advocacy.”

Strengthening Collaboration with Duty Bearers

One of the project’s most significant achievements was strengthening partnerships between first responders and duty bearers.

Police officers, county officials, and representatives from institutions such as the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) participated in community dialogues and collaborative sessions. These engagements helped clarify roles, address misunderstandings, and build trust.

A GBV focal person from Dagoretti South in Nairobi noted that the project improved coordination between institutions and community responders.

“The dialogues helped us understand the critical role first responders play. We committed to prioritizing the cases they bring forward because we now see how essential their work is in supporting survivors.”

Similarly, a police officer from Kisumu emphasized the emotional challenges faced by officers working with GBV survivors.

“Handling these cases daily can be overwhelming. The project highlighted that duty bearers also need psychosocial support so that we can better serve survivors.”

These conversations opened new opportunities for collaboration, including plans for future partnerships and stronger referral systems.

Addressing Burnout and building resilience with a holistic approach to address GBV

Recognizing the emotional toll on defenders, the project introduced a three-day wellness clinic in June 2025, bringing together first responders and partners to reflect, build coping strategies, and strengthen support networks. Participants engaged in sessions on stress management, self-care, and peer support, many describing the clinic as a turning point in restoring their motivation and resilience.

By addressing both technical and emotional needs, the project enabled frontline GBV responders to sustain their work more effectively. Its integrated approach, combining research, community engagement, institutional collaboration, and wellness support strengthened not only individual responders but also the broader GBV response ecosystem.

The initiative also revealed key insights, including the need for psychosocial support among duty bearers experiencing secondary trauma, and the growing role of men as advocates against GBV, an encouraging shift in social norms.

As the Executive Director, Salome Nduta coordinated the initiative, aligning it with the Hub’s strategic plan and identifying new opportunities for fundraising around wellness and psychosocial support.

“The work has shown us the emotional toll on responders and duty bearers alike, highlighting the need for holistic care to sustain GBV efforts,” Nduta emphasized.

Looking ahead, the organization plans to expand its impact by strengthening partnerships with key institutions such as the National Gender and Equality Commission, mobilizing resources for sustained wellness support, and scaling its initiatives to reach more communities.

More so, the EU’s support, delivered through the Haki Ni Yetu Consortium and the KIOS Foundation, has been instrumental in covering operational costs, staff salaries, and program activities. This has enabled the Hub to coordinate its work more efficiently, maintain a strong focus on addressing GBV in informal settlements, and enhance its institutional capacity in line with its five-year strategic plan. The support has also unlocked new opportunities for advocacy and engagement.

For many survivors, the presence of trained and supported first responders can mean the difference between silence and justice.

WHRD Hub received funding through the 1st open call of the Rights, Governance and Accountability Grants (Large Grants) of the Haki Ni Yetu project and implemented the project from September 2024 to September 2025. The Haki Ni Yetu project is funded by the EU Delegation to Kenya. You can learn more about the project here: https://kios.fi/en/haki-ni-yetu/

This Impact Story is part of a project funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the KIOS Foundation & The Haki Ni Yetu project and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.