Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a serious problem in Nakuru West sub-county, Kenya. According to the Nakuru County Government, GBV cases in the sub county have increased by 20% in the past year.
This includes high rates of domestic violence, early marriages, female genital mutilation, and limited awareness and access to essential SRHR services.

The innovation aims to tackle these issues by empowering young men to become advocates for gender equality, thereby reducing GBV, and by promoting comprehensive SRHR services for all, especially among marginalized communities in Nakuru West.

"Jamaa poa na Jamii poa" (Good Man: Good Community) will be an innovative program designed to address critical issues related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Nakuru West sub-county of Kenya. This youth-led initiative will center on conducting Values Clarification and Attitude Transformation training, specifically targeting young men.
The program will utilize a comprehensive approach, drawing from the "Training Manual on Masculinities and Engaging Young Men and Boys to End Gender-Based Violence" developed by the African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) for GBV prevention. The primary goal of the Men to Men Programme will be to establish a critical mass of young men within Nakuru West who will possess the knowledge and skills to influence their communities and drive the belief in and practice of gender equality as a fundamental norm.
Its overarching objectives will be twofold:
a) Enhancing Knowledge: The program will seek to enhance young men's understanding of the intricate links between masculinities, GBV, and SRHR. It will aim to equip young men with a profound awareness of the issues at hand.
b) Practical Skill Building: These skills will enable them to engage in effective training sessions to educate other men on combatting GBV and supporting access to SRHR services. This capacity to actively engage with their peers will create a ripple effect, expanding the program's impact.
As a follow-up to the training, "Jamaa poa na Jamii poa" will organize forums led by young women, with support from trained young men. These forums will serve as platforms for building solidarity and advocacy on several fronts:
a) Inclusive and Responsive Policies: The program will advocate for policies that are not only inclusive but also responsive to the needs and rights of young people, especially concerning SRHR and ending GBV.

"Jamaa poa na Jamii poa" stands out to addressing GBV issues by empowering young men as change agents. It leverages a proven "Men to Men" training model that directly involves young men in combatting GBV, making it unique in its approach. This program fosters a culture of masculinity transformation, challenging harmful gender norms and stereotypes.
Its uniqueness lies in its comprehensive strategy, combining knowledge enhancement with practical skill-building. This approach ensures that young men not only understand the issues but can actively engage with their peers to effect change.
"Jamaa poa na Jamii poa" goes beyond awareness campaigns by advocating for inclusive policies, improved SRHR services, and campaigns against harmful practices, making it a multifaceted solution. By engaging the youth and promoting gender equality as a fundamental norm, it addresses the root causes of GBV issues, making it a pioneering and impactful initiative in Nakuru West, Kenya.

"Jamaa poa na Jamii poa" has the potential to bring about significant positive impacts on the chosen focus area of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nakuru West, Kenya. By empowering young men with knowledge and skills to combat GBV and promote SRHR, the program can lead to reduced instances of violence, improved access to healthcare, and enhanced gender equality in the community.
The scalability of this innovation is evident in its youth-led approach and use of established training models. It can be adopted on a larger scale by replicating the program in other sub-counties and regions in Kenya. To do so, partnerships with local NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations can provide the necessary resources, expertise, and support.
By demonstrating its effectiveness in Nakuru West, "Jamaa poa na Jamii poa" can serve as a model for addressing SRHR and GBV issues in various communities across the country, ultimately contributing to broader gender equality and health outcomes.

1. Needs Assessment (Months 1-2):
– Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment in Nakuru West to understand the specificGBV challenges.
– Identify key stakeholders and community leaders to be involved in the program.
2. Program Development (Months 3-5):
-Adapt the Men to Men training program based on local needs and contexts.
-Recruit and train a team of facilitators, including local young men and women.
-Develop advocacy strategies and materials for policy change and awareness campaigns.
3. Training Sessions (Months 6-12):
-Begin the Men to Men training sessions, targeting young men in the community.
-Conduct periodic assessments to measure knowledge and skill development.
-Organize forums led by young women for community engagement.
4. Advocacy and Awareness (Months 13-18):
-Launch advocacy campaigns for inclusive policies and improved SRHR services.
-Conduct awareness campaigns against harmful practices.
-Engage with local authorities and organizations for support.
5. Evaluation (Months 19-24):
-Make necessary adjustments based on feedback and results.
-Assess the readiness for scalability and expansion.
Key Resources:
Trainers and facilitators.
Materials for training and advocacy campaigns.
Collaboration with local NGOs and government agencies.
Challenges and Mitigation:
Resistance to change in traditional gender norms: Continuous community engagement and awareness campaigns will help address this challenge.
Limited funding: Seek grants and partnerships with organizations dedicated to SRHR and GBV prevention.
Cultural and language barriers: Utilize local knowledge and language in training and advocacy materials for better understanding and acceptance.

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