Swiss Government, Plan International Bolster Anti-GBV Campaign in Isiolo Through Local Partnerships
Efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Isiolo County have gained momentum following a new initiative funded by the Swiss government in partnership with Plan International.
The project, which brings together ten locally based women- and youth-led organizations, aims to tackle GBV through grassroots, community-driven approaches.
Martina Durrer, Switzerland’s Regional Head of International Cooperation, announced during the projects’s launch in Isiolo that the initiative is designed to amplify the voices of survivors through localized strategies.
She said that the project will also extend beyond Isiolo, with similar efforts planned for North Eastern Kenya, South Eastern Ethiopia, and Somalia.
Durrer emphasized the critical role of local actors, particularly women- and youth-led groups, in strengthening ongoing initiatives.
She noted that Kenyan counties have made notable progress in addressing GBV due to established legal frameworks and policies.
“Empowering survivors through these local initiatives will enhance sustainability and effectiveness in the fight against GBV,” she said.
Grace Lorim, Executive Director of Isiolo Gender Watch—one of the selected organizations to implement the project—confirmed that the first phase of the initiative will span four years and be launched in two wards of Isiolo.
Lorim highlighted that Plan International had shortlisted ten organizations known for their active advocacy work. These groups will be tasked with raising awareness through community meetings, social media campaigns, and grassroots dialogues.
However, challenges remain. Nahashun Lataruk, Commissioner at the National Gender and Equality Commission, expressed concern over continued use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to settle GBV cases such as defilement and rape—despite such practices being prohibited by law.
He attributed this trend partly to deeply rooted religious and cultural beliefs, which he said perpetuate stigma and deter victims from seeking justice through legal channels.
Munya Malunga, Director of Programs at Plan International, noted that the organization has been working with both the National Treasury and county governments to promote child-focused budgeting.
He emphasized that proper budgeting is essential for implementing policies that address child rights and gender equality.
Malunga also underscored the importance of local knowledge in executing GBV-related programs, stating that community-based solutions are more sustainable as they are tailored to the local context.
The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening grassroots responses to GBV and ensuring that survivor-centered approaches remain at the heart of policy and practice.
Dr. Lawrence Mwongera CEC Trade and cooperatives Isiolo county called on all partners to come together to see to it that the projects goals are met.
