Who we are
The Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) is a national non-profit and women’s rights organization dedicated to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and advancing gender equality in Kenya.
Founded in 1995, COVAW emerged in response to a critical gap — the silence that surrounded violence against women and the underrepresentation of women in leadership. The idea for COVAW was born during a workshop convened by Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), where participants identified the urgent need for a collective voice to confront gender-based violence and promote women’s leadership.
What began as a small group of passionate advocates has since grown into a national movement championing women’s rights, justice, and equality. For nearly three decades, COVAW has worked with survivors, communities, and institutions to challenge harmful norms, influence policy, and build a society where women and girls live free from violence and discrimination.
Our Vision
A violence-free and non-discriminative society where women and girls thrive.
Our Mission
To proactively champion the rights of women and girls to live free from all forms of violence and discrimination
Core Values
Integrity
COVAW upholds the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and accountability in all its work.
Dignity
COVAW affirms that every person has inherent worth and must be treated with compassion, fairness, and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Courage
COVAW takes bold, deliberate action to advance gender justice and challenge systems that hold women and girls back.Solidarity COVAW stands with women, girls, communities, and partners in the pursuit of equity, justice, and dignity.
Inclusion
COVAW believes that every individual’s perspective and voice is of significance
