Prevention, mitigation, and response to SGBV
At the Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW), we are committed to eliminating all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and advancing the safety, rights, and dignity of women and girls across Kenya.
Since 1995, we have partnered with communities, institutions, and policymakers to challenge harmful gender norms, strengthen prevention and response systems, and empower survivors.
Through gender-transformative and intersectional approaches, COVAW addresses the root causes of SGBV by engaging men, women, and youth as change agents. We recognize that factors such as disability, income, education, and ethnicity shape experiences of violence — and we design our programs to reach every woman and girl where she is.
Our Objectives
Objective 1: Catalyzing National Dialogue on Gender Transformative Approaches (GTAs)
COVAW champions national conversations on how gender-transformative approaches can help eliminate SGBV, sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation.
We build the capacity of SGBV actors and community leaders to understand and apply GTAs, engage men and boys as partners and allies, and create spaces where harmful gender norms can be openly challenged.
Our efforts span five levels of action — from individuals and families to communities, institutions, and national policy — ensuring that equality and empowerment are embedded at every layer of society.
Objective 2: Strengthening the Movement to End Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
COVAW works to build a stronger, more united movement to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other harmful practices.
Through collaboration with grassroots organizations, civil society networks, and survivors, we strengthen advocacy, develop practical tools for movement building, and promote collective influence at national and community levels.
We continuously assess cultural and social contexts to better understand attitudes toward FGM, driving evidence-based interventions that protect women and girls while transforming the norms that perpetuate the practice.
Objective 3: Preventing, Mitigating, and Responding to SGBV Cases
We identify and challenge the harmful norms and power dynamics that sustain violence against women and girls.
COVAW’s approach combines prevention with strong response systems — supporting survivors, promoting gender equality, and pushing for enforcement of laws that protect women’s rights.
Our work includes:
- Advocating against harmful masculinities and retrogressive cultural practices.
- Promoting women’s political and economic empowerment.
- Bridging the gap between law and practice by strengthening legal and policy frameworks.
- Ending impunity for gender-based violence through rights-based advocacy and survivor empowerment.
Objective 4: Enhancing Survivors’ Access to Protection and Justice
COVAW empowers survivors of GBV to understand and pursue their rights under the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act (2015) and other relevant laws.
We equip them with the knowledge and skills to apply for protection orders, while also advocating for streamlined, survivor-centered processes within the justice system.
Through collaboration with community partners, we expand access to safe shelters, healthcare, psychosocial support, and legal aid — ensuring that survivors receive the protection and dignity they deserve.
Objective 5: Addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)
As technology becomes more integrated into daily life, new forms of violence have emerged — from online harassment and cyberstalking to digital exploitation.
COVAW works with government agencies, tech companies, and justice actors to combat Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) through:
- Advocacy for stronger digital safety policies and frameworks.
- Public awareness campaigns on the risks and redress mechanisms for TFGBV.
- Capacity building for justice actors to handle online abuse cases effectively.
- Supporting survivors to safely report, document, and access services related to online violence.
We also empower grassroots movements to lead community-driven initiatives that promote online safety and digital rights for women and girls.
Our Commitment
COVAW remains steadfast in advancing gender equality, promoting human rights, and creating safer spaces for women and girls. Through research, partnerships, and continuous advocacy, we are building a society free from fear, discrimination, and violence — one where every woman and girl can live with dignity, equality, and opportunity.
