USIU Africa Gender Equity and Protection Office in collaboration with the Catholic Relief Services (CRS Kenya) commemorated the 16-Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence. The launch was marked on 25^th November 2024 where discussions and engagements were held following the international theme: Recommitment, Accountability, Resourcing Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls. This theme actioned towards advocacy and awareness measures against gender-based violence implemented towards empowering women and girls.

The launch geared conversations on Investing in safety against Technology Facilitated Gender Based Violence in youth. Learners from diverse universities, colleges and CRS-Kenya scholars under the Wezesha Vijana Project were brought together to discuss and demystify raising a platform for the young people to raise their voices, innovate and tackle gender-based violence and all forms of harassment through youth-led approaches while in tertiary institutions.

The conversations bring onboard USIU-Africa Students, KCA University, TVETs such as Embakasi Vocational Training, Kibondeni College of Catering and Hospitality Management and other TVETs working under Wezesha Vijana-CRS Kenya Project-Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Sector. The campaign activities spotlight pertinent issues facing female and male students in tertiary institutions taking note that gender-based violence in learning institutions compromises learning and there is need to empower students in the digital spaces while discussing prevention and response measures, digital identity and the forms of technology facilitated gender based violence (TFGBV).

Discussions were held by: Mr. Robert Mgeni- Head of Programs & Ag. Country Representative (CRS Kenya), Ms. Irene Mwangi-Sector lead, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship (CRS Kenya), Ms. Maureen Otieno- Technical Advisor Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (CRS Kenya), Dr. Victor Boiyo- DVC, Student Life (USIU Africa) and Ms. Racheal Ngumi- Principal Officer, Gender Equity and Protection (USIU Africa).

The Panelists included: Mr. Kingsley Lutali- Managing Director Crime Shield Security ltd. Denis Katana- USIU Africa Electoral College Chair, Faith Valerie Akinyi -Founder, NAAM org (USIU Africa Student), Christopher Mwamburi- Mathare Vocational Training Centre, Sylvia Murauri -Waithaka Vocational Training Centre), Mark Maluki-Wezesha Vijana, Youth Advisory Group Chair, Nairobi County, Imani Naitore- USIU Africa HeforShe club Vice Chair, Zia Stocker- USIU Africa HeforShe Club Chair.

#EndGBV #16daysofactivism #EndTFGBV