By Viola Jerono
Gender justice is more than a cause; it is a mission that requires resilience, advocacy, and a relentless push for equity. My work is rooted in empowering marginalized groups, advocating against gender-based violence (GBV), and ensuring equal opportunities for young women and teenage mothers. By working across healthcare, education, and community development, I strive to create meaningful change in society.
As a passionate advocate, I provide support to survivors of GBV, ensuring they receive psychosocial assistance, legal aid referrals, and safe spaces for recovery. Additionally, I engage communities through education on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), menstrual health, and the fight against harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM). Having personally escaped from my community to avoid FGM, I understand the urgent need to dismantle such oppressive traditions.
Beyond advocacy, I actively seek funding through grant proposals to sustain impactful programs such as feeding initiatives for vulnerable children, education scholarships for underprivileged students, and school construction in rural areas. One of my flagship projects is the Centre for Advocacy of Women Empowerment and JM Empowerment Center for Teenage Mothers, which provides education, vocational training, and childcare support. Additionally, I collaborate with gender sector working groups to influence national policies that address pressing gender issues.
Impact of My Work:
- Young women and teenage mothers gain access to education, mentorship, and vocational training, helping them build sustainable futures.
- Survivors of GBV receive psychosocial support, legal aid, and safe recovery spaces, enabling them to rebuild their lives.
- Rural communities benefit from awareness campaigns on gender equality, SRHR, and menstrual health, promoting social transformation.
- Underprivileged students access scholarships and feeding programs, ensuring they stay in school and thrive.
- Policy stakeholders and NGOs are engaged in advocating for gender-sensitive policies and community empowerment initiatives.
Despite progress, advancing gender justice comes with significant challenges including deep-rooted cultural norms that perpetuate GBV and FGM which remain formidable barriers. Resistance from community leaders and elders has often posed challenges in implementing change. To address this, I engage key influencers, religious leaders, and policymakers in meaningful dialogue, promoting alternative rites of passage and cultural shifts.
Another major challenge is limited funding, which affects the sustainability of critical programs such as scholarships, feeding initiatives, and school construction. To navigate this, I proactively write grant proposals and foster collaborations with funding organizations to secure financial resources.
Moreover, stigma surrounding menstrual health and SRHR education in conservative communities has made it difficult to foster open discussions. Through school outreach programs and targeted youth engagement, I have worked tirelessly to break taboos and encourage positive conversations.
Tangible Results Achieved:
- Increased access to education and vocational training for teenage mothers and young girls through scholarships and empowerment programs.
- Greater community awareness and reduced stigma around menstrual health and SRHR, fostering a culture of openness and education.
- Successful rescue and reintegration of GBV survivors into safe spaces, helping them regain dignity and security.
- Influential policy contributions through engagement in gender sector working groups and advocacy for anti-FGM laws.
- Enhanced school enrollment and retention in rural communities, driven by feeding programs and education support.
- National and presidential recognition for the transformative impact of my work in Elgeyo Marakwet.
While significant strides have been made in advancing gender justice, the journey is far from over. Continuous advocacy, funding mobilization, and policy influence remain key strategies for driving sustainable change. By amplifying voices, challenging harmful traditions, and creating opportunities for women and girls, we can build a more equitable and just society for future generations.
