Peace Initiative Kenya SS CCE U S PIK Y STOR H ONT M E H 14 OF T er 20
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PIK Partner scoops UN Person of the Year Award for setting up a Rapid Response Helpline in aid of Sexual Gender Based Violence Survivor in Kenya Story, photo and graphics by: Valine Moraa
When Fanis Lisiagali set up an emergency helpline 1195, she did not know that her effort and passion would make such a huge impact or receive such high level recognition. On October 24 th 2014, Lisiagali was celebrated as the 2014 runners-up United Nations person of the Year for her efforts to help survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Kenya through the national helpline 1195. Kenya’s First Lady- Margaret Kenyatta, was named the UN person of the year in Kenya for her efforts to improve maternal health through the ‘Beyond Zero Campaign’. Lisiagali is the director and founder of Healthcare Assistance Kenya (HAK), a local organization that operates a rapid response call centre which runs the 24- hour national toll free helpline 1195 which is confidential and easily accessible from any phone connected to safaricom, airtel and yu mobile service providers. The call center is supported by USAID funded project- Peace Initiative Kenya (PIK), the Government of Kenya and Mobile Service Providers. It provides first line of response for survivors of SGBV by providing tele-counselling services, information on where to receive immediate medical care, police services, legal aid, safe homes, further psychosocial counseling as well as rescue and follow-up where the reported case requires so. “In 2008 at the height of Kenya’s Post-election skirmishes, I volunteered my services through the Kenya Red Cross Society and went to camps in different regions across the country. My interaction with the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who shared horrifying stories of sexual and gender based violence revealed that survivors did not know anyone they could trust and call upon for support when they needed it the most. Most of the survivors were neglected as the police and other service providers got swarmed with many other cases arising from widespread violence which clearly overwhelmed existing hot lines and help facilities. This inspired me to start a campaign on breaking the silence on SGBV through a toll free helpline, which did not exist at that time,” reveals Lisiagali. With support from several other volunteers, Lisiagali gave out her two personal mobile numbers through which SGBV survivors reported the violations and were able to receive help. This was limited in scope as callers had to have airtime to call. In 2010 Lisiagali approached the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) which issued her with the short-code 1195. The helpline was officially
Launch of Helpline 1195
Fanis Lisiagali displays her awarded certificate
launched on 21st February 2013 with support from Peace Initiative Kenya (PIK) Project, the Government of Kenya and other agencies, as the official toll free helpline dedicated to reporting of gender based violence across the country. “In 2013 alone, we supported a total of 8,115 survivors, which included men, women and children, a clear sign that the society is breaking the silence on GBV issues. I feel honoured and delighted by the recognition accorded to me and wish to commend our partners for the continued support towards Healthcare Assistance Kenya that runs the SGBV rapid response call centre making it more accessible to needy survivors. We have also developed contact card dubbed ‘Jikinge Card’ also referred to as J-Card which contains information on services offered through the helpline 1195 which is widely distributed to publicise the helpline.” she notes. Story point of interest
The United Nations Person of the Year Award is an annual event in which individuals from within specific countries are commended for their exemplary work in community service. Several individuals are identified and nominated by the United Nations Population Fund, then other UN agencies vote for the winner.
Helpline 1195 Call Centre