'We must build a society that values and protects voices of survivors'

This blog post is authored by two young disability leaders that we work with at Network level as part of work that we are doing to advance and strengthen intergenerational leadership.

By Vilda Atieno and Mirriam Chelang’at

We have recently had an opportunity to represent the Kenya Network of Women and Girls with Disabilities at a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) validation meeting convened by the Wangu Kanja Foundation. 

The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to review and validate key findings and recommendations of a piece of research aimed at strengthening SGBV prevention and response efforts in Kenya.

The discussions were intersectional in nature, acknowledging that survivors experience violence differently depending on various social and structural factors. A significant part of the engagement centered on the lived experiences of survivors of SGBV in Kenya. These conversations were deeply sensitive, but the organizers created a safe and respectful space that allowed participants to engage openly and meaningfully. This environment encouraged honest reflections and constructive dialogue.

While the meeting was not disability-specific, we intentionally contributed perspectives representing persons with disabilities to ensure that inclusion remained embedded within the broader discussions. We emphasized the importance of accessible reporting systems, inclusive service provision, and the need to meaningfully involve marginalized groups in both policy development and implementation processes.

A key issue that emerged during the discussions was the scarcity of disaggregated data, particularly relating to SGBV cases affecting women and girls with disabilities and other marginalized populations. The lack of comprehensive data continues to limit visibility, resource allocation, and targeted interventions. Participants also highlighted the need for stronger coordination and harmonization of data systems to improve accuracy and accountability.

There was strong consensus on the importance of building a society that values and protects the voices of survivors. Strengthening accessible and responsive reporting channels, enhancing community awareness through grassroots engagement, and investing in capacity strengthening were identified as critical steps toward improving prevention and response efforts. Emphasis was placed on a bottom-up approach that empowers communities with knowledge on reporting mechanisms, protection measures, and the importance of speaking out.

Overall, the meeting was impactful and reaffirmed the need for inclusive, survivor-centered, and intersectional approaches in addressing SGBV. It provided an important platform to ensure that diverse voices are integrated into national conversations and action plans. 

We look forward to continued collaboration and similar engagements as we collectively work toward building a safer, more inclusive, and violence-free society.