Impact stories from Commitment Makers: Jumuiya Women Fund (JWF)

Photo credit: Jumuiya Women Fund

Impact Stories from Generation Equality Commitment Makers Working in the Action Coalition on Gender-Based Violence in ESAR: Jumuiya Women Fund (JWF)

Breaking the Chains of Violence: JWF’s Pioneering Efforts to End Femicide and FGM in Kenya: The Jumuiya Women Fund (JWF) is making a profound impact in Kenya by tackling two critical forms of gender-based violence (GBV) - Femicide in Uasin Gishu County and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Baringo County. Both issues are deeply rooted in harmful cultural practices and socio-economic inequalities, leading to devastating consequences for women and girls. JWF’s mission is to reduce Femicide and eliminate FGM through community-based solutions that challenge these harmful norms and provide safe spaces for open dialogue and action.

Operating in Eldoret and Baringo, JWF has engaged local communities in powerful dialogues, bringing together administrators, law enforcement, religious leaders, and survivors. Conversations focus on the cultural, social, and legal aspects of Femicide and FGM, aiming to dismantle the root causes of violence and advocate for policy and systemic changes. By fostering collaboration among local leaders, the initiative encouraged community-driven solutions to combat GBV and make progress towards gender equality and women’s safety.

The results of these efforts have been remarkable. In Eldoret, awareness of Femicide has increased significantly, leading to higher reporting rates and greater support for victims. Law enforcement and the judicial system have become more accessible to survivors, helping them seek justice and protection. In Baringo, local leaders, including elders, have committed to opposing FGM, signaling a major shift in community attitudes. These leaders have also taken proactive steps to protect girls, holding regular meetings to ensure their safety and promote education over harmful practices.

Empowering survivors has been another key achievement. Survivors of FGM and GBV now have access to vital services such as counseling and legal aid. Parents, influenced by the dialogues, are increasingly focused on their daughters' education and well-being, opting for alternatives to FGM. Additionally, the End Femicide Movement in Eldoret has used social media and public gatherings to raise awareness and encourage activism against Femicide, further amplifying the voices of those affected.

JWF has played a pivotal role in these transformative shifts by facilitating policy dialogues, empowering community leaders, and providing survivors with critical support. The organization’s work in training local leaders on gender rights and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) has fostered advocacy for gender equality, creating platforms for sustained, community-driven initiatives. JWF’s strong partnerships with local government, organizations like Cana Girls Rescue Centre and Tirop Angels, and youth movements such as End Femicide KE, have been integral to the success of these initiatives. JWF’s participation in the Generation Equality platform has enhanced its capacity to innovate and implement effective programs, reinforcing its commitment to intersectional feminism and addressing the root causes of gender inequality.

Additional References
www.jumuiyawomenfund.org
Jumuiya Women Fund Awards Laptops to Women