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Building Safety Nets

for Survivors

Africa Youth Trust (AYT), in partnership with Village elder Onsoti Mogire highlights how poverty
ActionAid Kenya, has been a critical player in perpetuates GBV. “Families may withdraw cases
supporting GBV survivors through the Access to or seek alternative justice,” he says, emphasizing
Justice and Security Project. The initiative uses the need to address systemic challenges.
an innovative SMS based platform, "21094," For survivors like Damaris Kahayanga, economic
which allows survivors to anonymously report empowerment is vital. As part of a women-led gas
incidents of GBV and receive immediate legal, business funded by AYT, she has gained financial
m e d i c a l a n d p s y c h o s o c i a l s u p p o r t . stability, leadership and communication skills,
This platform serves as a vital lifeline for many becoming a mentor to others. “We need more
women in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, offering an programs like this,” she says. “This has been life
avenue for help that didn’t exist before. changing,” she continue.
Beyond immediate intervention, AYT has also
Since its launch in 2016, the project has provided
focused on empowering survivors through
crucial support to over 3,000 survivors. However,
economic independence. By offering business
Teresa Monchari, AYT project officer,emphasizes
training, seed capital and access to financial
that there are still significant challenges. “We need
services, AYT is helping women rebuild their lives
to address the gaps in justice and the lack of safe
and break free from the economic dependency
spaces for survivors,” she says. Despite these
that often keeps them trapped in abusive
hurdles, the initiative continues to provide a much-
relationships.
needed support system for survivors, ensuring
they receive the help they need to begin their For Jecinta Anyango, a survivor from Mukuru
recovery. kwa Reuben, joining a support network and
participating in a savings group marked the
Empowering Survivors through beginning of her transformation. “I no longer
depend on my husband the way I used to and
Economic Independence our relationship has improved,” Jecinta shares.

Similarly, Marion Muthiani, a musician and survivor, She has started her own business and gained
found support through counseling and financial financial stability, which has led to a greater
assistance. "I rediscovered my passion and purpose sense of empowerment and control over her life.
through this group,” she says. Marion received
support for her music career and is now a role
model for other survivors.
These stories of empowerment are mirrored in the
experiences of Judith Bochere, who now runs a
successful business with two other women.

After surviving domestic violence, Judith’s story
shifted from one of despair to one of hope, as she
now lives with dignity and financial security.
Access to justice and security has provided
survivors with healing paths and sparked broader
community conversations.

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