As the effects of a 5-year drought in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) counties continue to unravel, SRH and GBV risks are on the rise hitting vulnerable populations and in particular women and girls hard. A new project intervention that aims to have an improved utilization of quality integrated Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and Gender Based Violence (GBV) information and services has been launched. The intervention approach is through institutional capacity building, provision of mental health and psychosocial support services, improved SRH and GBV resilience and adaptation mechanisms and Improved integration of Sexual Reproductive Health and Gender Based Violence in community surveillance and early warning and anticipatory action systems in the four counties.
The project is focusing on the provision of mental health and psychosocial support and shall involve enhancing communities in respective counties access to ss to development of standards and protocols for GBV helpline actors involved in the drought response, train 40 GBV helpline staff on basic psychosocial first aid (PFA), conduct awareness on the existing GBV helpline at national and county levels, train 40 community MHPSS providers in drought-affected counties and engage community members in the four counties in By Maurice Goga MHPSS activities. All these will be done through a partnership with HAK 1195 and Dan Shieshie Foundation.
Speaking during the project launch in Garissa County, UNFPA Country Representative, Anders Thomsen noted that the project will help address some of the challenges women and girls face during emergencies or disasters. Adding that the selection of the counties of implementation was informed by the current KDHS 2022 report.
On the other hand, Garissa County, Deputy Governor, Abdi Muhumed Dagane welcomed the move saying the rollout of the project is timely and the county will continue will working with CSOs in sensitizing the community to shun GBV and harmful cultural practices.
The launch was attended by implementing partners including Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), International Rescue Committee (IRC), Film Aid Kenya (FAK), Centre Collaboration for Gender & Development (CCGD) and the Centre for Enhanced Democracy and Governance (CEDGG)
By Maurice Goga
