PIK Pamphlet

Peace Initiative Kenya (PIK) 1

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Why Peace Initiative Kenya (PIK) Peace Initiative Kenya (PIK) is a 3½-year USAID funded project focusing on the prevention and response to Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Kenya. The PIK project is implemented by International Rescue Committee (IRC) in partnership with local organizations. The project was established in October 2012 to contribute to a more protective and peaceful environment for

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The Peace Initiative Kenya (PIK) Theory of Change Peace Initiative Kenya has been addressing gender inequality and gender based violence as key dynamic in achieving sustainable peace and human development in Kenya.

This is premised on various assumptions: 1. That violence is structural and systemic 2. Violence is a primary obstacle to women and girls pursuing their potential to the fullest 3. Violence threatens sustainable development in communities as resources meant for other development issues are redirected to manage the consequences of violence.

4. Ending violence requires expanding women’s and girls’ space to transform themselves and their world.

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women before, during and after the March 2013 general elections. The launching of the project in 18 counties of Kenya was against a backdrop of historical violence against women during election periods, especially 2007-2008, when women in targeted communities were attacked as part of ethnic clashes in rural areas and women seeking political elective positions were threatened, intimidated and physically assaulted.

5. Ending violence requires a multi-stakeholder approach

The Peace Initiative Kenya theory of change is that: If individuals, communities and institutions have sufficient knowledge on the economic, social and psychological consequences of GBV, and traditional and legal systems, state and non state actors actively work around prevention and response to GBV in a coordinated way, while recognizing the role of women in leadership and peace building, then there will be a significant reduction to GBV incidents, enhanced justice for survivors of GBV and effective participation of women in the overall development of their communities.

PIK participate in a peaceful procession in the streets of Nairobi to support Kenya’s Protection Against Domestic Violence Bill

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Project Strategies Peace Initiative Kenya has intervened in eighteen counties to address the high levels of gender based violence using the following strategies: 1. At the county level working through the devolved system of government in Kenya targeting the county ministries responsible for gender. At the national level working with the Ministry of Devolution and planning- Directorate of Gender, the National gender and Equality Commission and the Kenyan judiciary. All these governance and oversight sectors provide the framework for coordination of GBV response and advocacy in the national and county governments.

2. Working with the Women leaders including elected women representatives and wives/partners of the current County Governors (who are all male). These

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women are seen to play a critical role in influencing policies and programs for gender mainstreaming.

3. Working with a consortium of Civil Society Organizations to push for the formulation and enactment of appropriate policies and laws against GBV 4. Establishing and reactivating referral pathways for survivors of GBV 5. Working with traditional and county structures to change attitudes, practices, and perceptions that make women and girls vulnerable to gender based violence 6. Creating a critical mass of journalists knowledgeable and willing to cover and publish GBV issues on various media platforms 7. Research into GBV challenge in Kenya to provide a baseline for state and non state actors in responding to the GBV problem.

Nairobi County Women Representative Rachel Shebesh addressing participants at the PIK National Summit on GBV and Peace held in August 2013 in Nairobi County

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PIK project provides paralegal and psychosocial support to those affected by Gender Based Violence

Highlights of project successes Through a cascaded approach the project has reached over 40,000 people in 18 counties with peace and anti-GBV messages. This contributed immensely to a peaceful election in Kenya in 2013 and limited any violence against women.

PIK undertook an audit of the situation of GBV in nine counties in Kenya. The audit reports are now used as reference documents for the county government ministries responsible for gender.

In partnership with the Kenyan Judiciary PIK has supported quarterly meetings of the Court Users Committee (CUCs) which is an access to justice establishment of the Kenyan Judiciary. These meetings have helped expedite GBV cases brought to court and more support is provided to survivors especially to children in providing evidence in court.

A team of over 150 journalists and editors with knowledge and skills on reporting peace

and GBV has been established. This has seen increased coverage of GBV in the Kenyan media.

PIK launched and put into operation a toll free helpline (1195) that allows survivors of gender based violence to receive tele-counseling services and appropriate referral to GBV service providers for free.

PIK has engaged in capacity building processes for all partner organizations in the project.

A vibrant mentorship and accompaniment processe coupled with technical support in organization development has resulted in growth of local NGOs working in the PIK project. As a result of PIK project for instance one of the organizations- Health Care Assistance Kenya’s Executive Director received the runners up UN person of the Year Award in 2014 after the First Lady of Kenya. The award was given in recognition for service to GBV survivors who call into the helpline for free to receive information on what to do after a violent incident. The project has continued >>

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successfully piloted a women entrepreneurship project in partnership with African Women Entrepreneurship program for women affected

by GBV. The project has seen increased interest for uptake by several counties and organizations.

The project has successfully lobbied for improved service provision. In Taita Taveta County, for instance, the Governor circulated a memo directing hospitals to offer free medical

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Challenges encountered during implementation of the strategies While the results realized with the strategies have been impressive, there have been challenges that have either slowed the pace of success or achievement of certain milestones. Some of these challenges included: Slow progress by the current administration to support laws that promote gender equality and women empowerment such as the two thirds gender principle, which many of the male politicians have expressed outright hostility towards it. Women leaders who are nominated face much hostility from male legislators and as a result many shy away from association with anything related to the term gender if only to make them feel more acceptable to their male counterparts (this impacts negatively on gender programs).

GBV has been normalized and in some cases institutionalized, making it difficult to penetrate with anti-GBV messaging and interventions

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and examination services to GBV survivors following intervention by PIK. In Kisumu County, a Member of County Assembly tabled a motion in the county assembly advocating for establishments of seven safe houses for GBV survivors following the release of PIK audit report. While in Migori County, a gender technical working group was formed and it developed a strategic plan to aid in addressing GBV prevention and response in the county.

Lack of knowledge and skills among the new County Government managers and policy makers on gender mainstreaming and GBV as a whole. There is need to provide more technical support especially on how to provide safe programs for GBV using resources such as the Affirmative Action Fund managed by women legislators.

Resource challenge: lack of resources to scale-up the project within Counties and to other Counties where there are clear needs.

The projected end of Peace Initiative Kenya raises a big challenge on the continuation of conversations at the county level with the end being premature in some instances.

The project began to realize impact and gains in 2015 and the momentum has picked up with many of the county assemblies, County Women Representatives and county executives for gender. Ending the project where conversations have just begun therefore has the potential to erode the gains made so far in enhancing gender inclusion in the counties development priorities.

A male champion joins PIK in a procession in Nairobi that called for action by duty bearers against cases of Sexual Violence

Beneficiaries of PIK entrepreneurship pilot program display some of their products that they sell

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Lessons learnt by PIK project Dialogue with key stakeholders on how best to address cultural and some religious beliefs and practices that hinder effective GBV prevention and response work results in better responses and outcomes in reducing GBV and ensuring justice for survivors of GBV. Working with governments both at the national and county level provides the opportunity and increases the willingness of the government to not only establish programmes and responses that help address GBV in more constructive manner but also nurture coordination for effectiveness and efficiency in GBV programming.

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Entrepreneurship skills development and mentorship for vulnerable women give beneficiaries the opportunity to regain their confidence and expand their livelihood options reducing their vulnerability to GBV and other forms of discrimination.

Engaging men as a specific category of actors has produced commitment from men in preventing violence against women and taking appropriate action when any violations take place.

Production and Dissemination of information on GBV increases confidence of and knowledge of stakeholder that facilitates public outreach as well as reference for state and non-state actors working towards the improvement of GBV response services.

Working with Community Activists and Women Networks has provided an opportunity to penetrate communities and create more impact under the Peace Initiative Kenya. These resource people continue to carry out comprehensive outreach on GBV prevention and response at the community level beyond the project activities and are a key indicator of sustainable investment.

Fatuma Nyerere (left) a PIK Community Activist in Kisumu County takes part in Radio Nam Lolwe talkshow to create awareness on GBV

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The unfinished business: what remains to be done There is need to have a clear program for the protection of women in Kenya’s next general elections (end of 2017). The stakes are high in the coming elections and women leaders will have a faceoff with male counterparts (many leaders see nomination of women as token positions and women leaders will avoid them opting for elections).

Technical capacity building and support to government officials and other decision makers to prioritize GBV prevention and response in their development agenda.

Build a bigger constituency of male champions for GBV preventing and response.

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Strengthen the coordination of GBV programs within the counties and support to such structures as the Court Users Committees (CUC) for efficient access to justice for survivors of GBV. Expand the pilot project on addressing GBV through entrepreneurial skills training for vulnerable women Build on the momentum gained in public awareness campaigns and partnership with media for sustained dialogue on gender based violence.

Peace Initiative Kenya Partners

NYABENDE SUPPORT PROGRAMMES EMPOWERING WOMEN

Putting a Smile o n So meo ne’ s Fa ce Every Da y

Useful links on the materials and reports produced under PIK www.rescue.org/sites/default/files/resource-file/My%20Action%20Counts www.awcfs.org/index.php/content-development/publications/magazines/tusemezane-magazine CONTACTS Website: www.gbvkenya.org Email: PIK@rescue.org Facebook.com/GBVServiceProviders

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Twitter hashtag: #MyActionCounts