Enhancing self-advocacy among AGYW, youths, and PWDs to improve prevention and response to GBV while ensuring that prevention and response mechanisms are functional at all levels through integrated health, education, livelihoods, and governance interventions across 10 counties in Kenya.
Despite robust legal frameworks in Kenya, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a widespread human rights violation. Over 254,000 pregnancies among girls aged 10–19, thousands of GBV cases, and 67% youth unemployment persist. Women and girls, especially in fishing communities and sugar-belt regions, face economic exploitation, limited land rights, and barriers to accessing SRHR and mental health services.
HEDSO is at the forefront of preventing and responding to GBV through our four integrated pillars: HEAL-WELL (health and wellbeing), 3Es (education, employment, enterprise), SLAC (sustainable livelihoods, agribusiness, climate justice), and GDI (governance, diversity, inclusion). By integrating land rights, economic empowerment, mental health support, and inclusive governance, we enhance the resilience and security of women, girls, youth, and PWDs.
| Strategic Goals & Expected Outcomes (2026-2030) | |
|---|---|
| OBJECTIVES | EXPECTED OUTCOMES |
| Promote equitable and inclusive land ownership and management | Increased awareness among 5,000 households, empowered communities with 60% exercising land rights, policy reforms in 7 counties, and strengthened livelihoods through land governance |
| Capacity building of AGYW, youths, and PWDs on GBV prevention and response | 1,000 community health champions trained; AGYW, youths, and PWDs actively challenge and prevent all forms of violence through peer education and digital platforms reaching 1 million young people |
| Create safe and supportive environments in learning institutions | 100 mental health clubs established in schools; 5,000 learners enrolled and retained with 70% retention rate; schools provide conducive, disability-inclusive environments for AGYW, youths, and PWDs to thrive |
| Advocate for gender-responsive policies and budgets | State and non-state actors implement inclusive policies; 50% of county budgets reflect marginalized community inputs; 10 inclusive governance forums established ensuring access to justice and accountability |
| Enhance knowledge on Gender-Based Violence and SRHR | Community gatekeepers and 5,000 religious/cultural leaders trained as champions; 40% reduction in stigma; community attitudes shift positively challenging norms that perpetuate violence |
| Economic integration of AGYW, youth, and PWDs | 10,000 trained in vocational/digital skills; 5,000 enterprises launched; 3,000 households linked to savings groups and green value chains resulting in increased financial stability and 40% income increase |
| Promote mental health and psychosocial support | Mental health screening integrated in 60% of health facilities; 1,000 peer educators trained in psychosocial first aid; improved mental health and wellbeing of AGYW, youths, and PWDs with 75% client satisfaction |