SJL Activities
CATEGORY I : COMMUNITY-BASED ACTIVITIES
a. March Against Femicide in Kenya
On 27th January 2024, SJL joined activists in an anti-femicide campaign in Nairobi, Kenya. The protests were triggered by a surge in violence against women, with more than 10 women murdered since the beginning of the year. Demonstrators carried placards with hashtags such as #StopKillingUs and #EndFemicideKe, demanding government action to address the issue. The protests were prompted by the brutal murders of Kenyan women which gained widespread attention due to the gruesome nature of the crimes. As part of its call for Community-Based Action, SJL and other Kenyan organizations noted the rise of femicide with the majority of cases involving intimate partner violence.
To tackle the rising number of femicides, activists and human rights groups called for more effective government policies and implementation. They urged the government to acknowledge femicide as a national crisis and fulfil its obligations under both national and international law to prevent and address violence against women. The March against Femicide was supported by widespread social media campaigns. Recognizing the surge and urgency required in addressing femicide in Kenya, SJL joined other stakeholders in calling for the Government of Kenya to put more effort into combating this systemic issue.
b. Legislative Bills Discussion
Knowledge Success and The Collaborative invited SJL to discuss the Facilities Improvement Act, the Primary Health Care Act, the Social Health Insurance Act and the Digital Health Act, in terms of their impact on family planning and reproductive health services in Kenya. Participating in discussions hosted by Knowledge Success and The Collaborative regarding these laws, SJL deepens its commitment to stakeholder engagement. By understanding the implications of these acts, SJL strengthens her initiatives in rural communities of Homabay County..
c. Submissions of Comments on the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill, 2023
SJL submitted Legislative Comments to the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Bill, 2023. The Bill proposed a legal framework that can facilitate and enhance the delivery of quality maternal, newborn and child health services. In addition, the law would provide a platform for raising the profile and agenda for maternal newborn and child health services, and a framework for formal engagement, cooperation and promotion of a coordinated approach to service delivery of maternal, newborn and child health services in the country, Further, the Bill would provide a platform of engagements between the national and county governments, and to enhance accountability and social funding strategy for maternal, newborn and child health services. As part of stakeholder engagement through public participation, SJL submitted comments to the bill to the Law Society of Kenya for consideration.
CATEGORY II: PARTNERSHIP BUILDING CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
a. Presentation at the 67th United Nations Conference on the Status of Women.
SJL team participated in the 67th UN Conference on the Status of Women (CSW67) in New York, USA. Through parallel events organized by the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW), SJL discussed rural youth and rural women as agents of change in their communities. The Review Theme of CSW67 required government and civil society organizations to look back on CSW62 and consider more involvement of Rural Women and Rural Youth as Agents of Change. The Agreed Conclusions of CSW62 came out of a Priority Theme that recognized the important conversation requiring the attention of the world in “Empowering Rural Women and Girls”. The UN Women Commission at the time summarized its Agreed Conclusions on three Thematic Areas requiring the urgent action of Governments and other stakeholders; to strengthen normative, legal and policy frameworks, to implement economic and social policies for the empowerment of all rural women and girls and to strengthen the collective voice, leadership and decision-making of all rural women and girls. Barely 2 years after these Agreed Conclusions, was the world hit by a pandemic that deepened inequalities that were already there, frustrated policy implementation and locked down the world. What this meant was that COVID-19 created higher levels of socioeconomic divides and shifted national and international priorities for the allocation of resources.
Covid-19 merely exposed the devastating impact of already existing inequalities faced by rural women and all women in general. As an organization that focuses on social justice in Rural Kenya, the Social Justice League witnessed the social injustices faced by rural women first-hand and felt the urgent need to map priority areas, which we realize, are common to women around the world. These include; Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Challenges, lack of formal education and a high percentage of rural communities living in abject poverty. In addition, Rural Women in Kenya experienced the negative effects of climate change on agriculture thus frustrating their main source of livelihood. SJL emphasized the need to look at the women and youth as agents of change by addressing past inequalities, learning from the negative effects of COVID-19 and proposing solutions for a better future for all rural women and youth around the world.
b. Presentation at the Pro Bono Institute of Kenya
As one of the Founding Members of the Pro Bono Institute of Kenya, SJL joined other stakeholders in the launch of the first Pro Bono Clearing House. SJL works with the Institute to provide quality pro-bono services to the community. This unique partnership has birthed the Strategic Litigation Program, which is aimed at ensuring the provision of legal services to the most vulnerable people, through collaboration with other legal professionals.
c. She's the First's Summit
SJL attended the “She’s the First’s Summit” which brought grassroots organizations together, giving them a platform for sharing their experiences working with communities. The She’s the First Summit offered a dynamic platform for intense inspiration, networking, training, and skill-building. It focused on amplifying the voices of girl activists, advocating for gender equality, and promoting the Global Girls’ Bill of Rights. SJL was invited to the Summit based on its contributions to advancing the rights of women in its community in Homabay County. The summit provided an opportunity for partnership building and collaboration among attendees, aiming to empower and equip individuals to champion the rights of girls worldwide.
d. Annual Citizens Forum on Democracy and Digital Governance
SJL attended the Annual Citizen’s Forum on Democracy and Digital Governance organized by the African Union Economic, Social & Cultural Council (African Union ECOSOCC). Africa’s Civil Society Organisations were urged to take advantage of the potential of digital technologies to achieve continental aspirations and goals, and in particular, democracy. Officially opening the Economic Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC)’s 2nd Annual Citizens Forum, Kenya’s State Department for Information, Communications and Technology and Digital Economy, Principal Secretary, Eng. John Tanui said digital governance could promote citizen engagement, enabling them to participate effectively in decision-making processes that impact their lives. The Forum was a defining moment in the continent’s quest to achieve democracy and digital governance. The forum took place on the sidelines of the 5th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (MYCM) of the Assembly of the African Union. The forum cultivated a collaborative and inclusive environment, providing a platform for substantive and thought-provoking discussions on the multifaceted aspects of democracy and digital governance in the African context. It also gave civil society organizations like SJL the opportunity to highlight the effects of digital technologies as an advantage as well as a contributor to the digital divide faced by rural communities when they are not reached in technological advancements.
e. Teach For All Global Conference
SJL participated in the Teach For All Global Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. This was an amazing opportunity to hear discussions on mentoring students as leaders especially because SJL works with primary and secondary students in rural communities of Homabay County, Kenya. SJL also actively engages in advocacy and community action, leveraging platforms like the Teach For All Global Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and advocate for equitable access to education and leadership opportunities for students in rural areas of Homabay County, Kenya.
CATEGORY III: SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS
a. International Women’s Day Call for Gender Equality
International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrated on 8th March of every year serves as a powerful rallying call for social justice, commemorating the remarkable achievements of women in various spheres including social, economic, and political domains. It provides a platform to acknowledge the progress made by women while also highlighting the challenges faced by those who are marginalized and deprived of basic rights and opportunities. As an organization, our commitment to advocating for gender equality is unwavering. Through our community social media campaign, SJL aims to amplify the voices of women, celebrate their achievements, and advocate for the rights of those who continue to face discrimination and inequality. Together, let us stand in solidarity to promote a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, free from gender-based barriers and prejudices. #InternationalWomensDay #GenderEquality #SocialJustice
b. International Day of the Girl Child
SJL joined organizations around the world in celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11th, recognizing girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world1. This day aims to amplify the voices and rights of girls everywhere, reimagining a better world inspired and led by adolescent girls, as part of the global Generation Equality movement.
c. Other Social Media Campaigns
#EndTripleThreat Campaign
Through its Social Media Platforms, SJL has called for the end the triple threat facing communities. These are; Gender-Based Violence, Teenage Pregnancies, and HIV infections. Through this campaign, SJL called for an end to the cycle of violence, the empowerment of youths to make informed choices and promotion of safe and healthy lifestyles. SJL seeks for a future where everyone can live free from fear, discrimination, and stigma.
#EndGBV #EndTeenPregnancy #StopHIVTransmission
#EndPeriodPoverty
SJL has undertaken a social media campaign calling for the end of period stigma by amplifying voices and sharing personal stories about menstruation and related issues. Through this campaign, SJL challenged the stigma and barriers related to menstruation, calling for access to menstrual products and education for all women and girls. By normalizing menstruation, SJL advocates for gender equality and promotes dignity and well-being for all.
#EndPeriodPoverty #MenstruationMatters #BreakTheSilence
#30daysofSexualAssaultAwarenessMonth
Through a Social Media Campaign against Sexual Assault in April 2023, SJL created awareness against sexual assault and called for members of the public to continue speaking out against this issue and advocate against victim shaming and blaming. By amplifying survivor voices, sharing resources, and educating our communities, SJL works towards creating a culture of support, respect, and accountability. Through its campaign, SJL challenged harmful attitudes and behaviours, promoted consent and bystander intervention, and strived to create safer environments for all.
#SAAM #EndSexualAssault #SupportSurvivors
CATEGORY IV: PUBLIC EDUCATION
a. SJL conducting sexual and reproductive health rights awareness with Adolescents in Homabay
Embarking on a mission to empower and educate, SJL facilitates discussions on sexual and reproductive health rights tailored specifically for adolescents. Through engaging discussions, interactive sessions, and informative materials, SJL creates awareness and advocacy within the hearts of young minds. This equips adolescents with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices about their health and futures.
b. 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
SJL Team has led a crucial initiative during the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) which runs from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10th December, Human Rights Day of every yea.. During these days, SJL engages with adolescents and young girls, providing a safe space to explore the complexities of GBV and its various forms. Through interactive activities, open discussions, and educational materials, we’re shedding light on the pervasive nature of GBV, from physical and sexual violence to emotional and economic abuse. Our goal is to empower these girls with knowledge, resilience, and resources to recognize, resist, and report instances of GBV in their lives and communities.
c. Community Dialogue Sessions
SJL is at the forefront of change by participating in Community Dialogue Sessions. During the commemoration of 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in 2023, SJL engaged in Community Dialogues by engaging communities, Village Elders, Youth and Civil Society Organizations on legal issues affecting marriage and succession, adoption of children, land and property rights. SJL provided free legal advice, empowering individuals to stand up against injustice and reclaim their rights.
c. Community Dialogue Sessions
SJL is at the forefront of change by participating in Community Dialogue Sessions. During the commemoration of 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in 2023, SJL engaged in Community Dialogues by engaging communities, Village Elders, Youth and Civil Society Organizations on legal issues affecting marriage and succession, adoption of children, land and property rights. SJL provided free legal advice, empowering individuals to stand up against injustice and reclaim their rights.