Makueni County has launched a new project to champion the rights of people living with disability as well as addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV).
The project will run for the next three years in the county.
The initiative dubbed Breaking Silence and Raising Voices brought together Cheshire Disability Services Kenya (CDSK) and Wote Community Development Organisation.
Strengthening Disability Rights and Protection
Speaking during the launch, Chief Executive Officer (CDSK) Cecilia Mutavi said Cheshire is a nationally registered NGO and a disability-inclusive organisation working with 11 partner organisations across 15 counties, including Makueni.
“Today we are launching a project by the name ‘Breaking Silence, Raising Voices.’ This project came as a result of past experience in safeguard and child protection policy training, where we realized that there are many cases here that go unattended.”
She lauded the county for having systems in place, adding that with the new partnership, they will fill the remaining gaps identified together, since their work is to complement the government.
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“We want to make sure that our disabled children and youth with disability voices are heard and are able to live free from violence and from all harms,” she added.
Cheshire will also provide its partners with grants to implement activities, build capacity, offer technical support, and raise awareness of disability and GBV matters.
County Commitment to Disability and GBV Policies
Welcoming the collaboration during the event held in a hotel in Wote town, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Eng. Sebastian Kyoni said they will continue working together and sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cheshire Disability Services Kenya to establish a better collaboration framework.
He added that the county is at the forefront of enhancing the voice of persons living with disability, with a greater focus on children and youth affected by GBV.
Makueni County Government has initiated several programs and policies. There is a legal policy framework for Gender Based Violence (GBV).
Kyoni expressed confidence that with partners, the county will enhance implementation and review policies based on experience gained from the project.
“Through the project, we will be able to address issues affecting PWDs, enhance awareness, advocate on GBV and continue creating community awareness to minimise such cases in our society,” Kyoni said.
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He called upon victims to do away with fear and boldly report cases, urging society to stop stigmatising victims and instead support them.
Felix Muendo from Wote Development Organisation reiterated the need to sensitise children and youth falling victim to sexual violence.
“We need to help them, teach them how to get help while defiled, raped or even sodomised, and any other type of GBV. Always break the silence to get help,” Muendo said.
By Lydia Ngoolo
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