February 16, 2022

7. Usikimye and addressing Gender-Based Violence in Kenya

Interview with: Stella Busolo Khachina
Discussing: Usikimye and addressing gender-based violence in Kenya

Stella Busolo Khachina and Deborah Cummins

[02.44]

Growing up in different parts of Kenya

[04.47]

Cultural views of separation and blended families in Kenya

[08.00]

Situation for members of LGBTQI community

[12.46]

Starting Usikimye from a desire to humanise femicide statistics

[14.43]

Opening the first GBV safehouse in the country

[19.49]

Starting the second GBV hotline in the country

[24.29]

Ideas of masculinity and challenges working with male survivors

[28.20]

COVID impact on economy & link with transactional sex

[31.30]

Collaborating with local chiefs and other local leaders

[37.20]

Lessons for international agencies in collaborating with grassroots organisations

[41.43]

Modes of partnership, power dynamics, and localisation

[00.04]

Deborah Cummins
When we want to connect with each other, how do we cross the great divide of different worldviews, cultures or religions? How can we work together effectively? Well, first: we need a bridge. Welcome to Bridging Peoples. In this Bridging Peoples podcast, we explore the human side of aid, development and social change work. Join me as I chat with researchers and practitioners about their work around the globe. I’m your host, Deborah Cummins. What do you get when you combine two powerful women, a common cause and a Facebook page? Well, in the story that I share in this podcast episode, what you get is a pretty impressive social movement and community based organization called Uzikimye, which in Swahili means Do Not Be Silent.

[01.05]

Stella Khachina
And surprisingly, nowadays we get calls from the local government. We get calls from the police, because we told them: ‘we are not here to make you look like you’re doing a bad job. We are here to support each other.’

Stella Busolo Khachina

Is an international aid practitioner. She grew up in West Pokot, in west Kenya. Together with her co-founder, Njeri Migwi, she started a social movement and community-based organisation to address gender-based violence called ‘Usikimye’, which in Swahili means do not be silent.

You might also be interested in:

Teenage Pregnancy & Early Marriage in Timor-Leste

Alternative Dispute Resolution for Women in Timor-Leste

Driving Factors for Teenage Pregnancy in Zambia