| Name of Youth Empowerment Center, Youth Group, Youth Club or Youth-led Organization | Racheal Kadzo Kupalia |
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| Email Address: | Email hidden; Javascript is required. |
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| Phone | +254700481814 |
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| Location (City or Town): | Kilifi |
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| County | Kilifi |
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| Team Leader: | Racheal Kupalia |
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| Innovation Title | Life Yako Life Yangu |
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| Focus Area | Combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) |
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| Problem Statement: | Gender-based violence represents a violation of human rights and a manifestation of gender inequality, discrimination, and power imbalances. The problem of gender-based violence takes various forms, leaving burdens of unplanned pregnancies, increased HIV infections, drugs, and substance abuse.
Survivors may suffer long-term emotional trauma and social stigma and encounter barriers to accessing justice and support services. Gender-based violence also perpetuates a cycle of violence, as those who experience it may be at an increased risk of becoming perpetrators.
The root causes of gender-based violence are complex and interconnected, involving cultural norms, societal expectations, and systemic inequalities.
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| Innovation Description: | Life Yako Life Yangu is a program designed to promote and maintain the state of well-being of women, youths, and other vulnerable beings that are likely to be affected by gender-based violence in order to help them realize their full potential, cope with their life challenges, work productively, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
The youths will be engaged in different prevention and interactive practical sessions;
1. Tele-counselling sessions: these will be indoor activities done through phone calls where all GBV-survivors and interested individuals are supported from communities, colleges, and universities. The tele-counselling sessions offered are mainly focused on: depression and anxiety, sleep hygiene, social situations, nutrition and wellness, and de-stigmatizing suicide.
2. Physical activities: Using artistic expressions like drama, dance, poetry, and other creative forms to raise awareness can be implemented through club formations at the community level, linking the most vulnerable villages and schools around Shimo La Tewa ward. Addressing GBV through artistic expressions can be a more powerful tool for conveying messages, challenging societal norms, increasing the knowledge of individuals, and preventing other problems.
3. Screening assessment: This includes mechanisms for follow-up and ongoing support. Post-assessment will be done to evaluate the participants involved in the program in questionnaires regarding the GBV state to help in betterment and identify the best needs of the program for the community. This will also involve training of young people on Para legacy and creation of community support systems to strengthen GBV prevention and response.
The activities shall cover a wide range of GBV prevention issues, addressing all the issues that would reduce stigma around gender-based violence conditions by sharing the achievements that were obtained through the whole program.
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| Uniqueness and Innovation: | Artistic expressions and tele-counselling stand out as innovative solutions in gender-based violence awareness creation due to their unique approaches to engagement and impact. Artistic expressions, such as visual arts, drama, and dance, transcend language barriers, emotionally resonating with audiences. These mediums have the power to challenge societal norms, fostering empathy and understanding. This creativity is a dynamic force in sparking conversations around gender-based violence. On the other hand, tele-counselling leverages technology to provide accessible and flexible mental health support. By breaking geographical barriers, it reaches individuals who might otherwise face challenges seeking help. The confidential and personalized nature of tele-counselling creates a safe space for survivors to share their experiences. In combining innovation with empathy, these approaches redefine traditional awareness methods, making gender-based violence discussions more inclusive, supportive, and transformative.
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| Impact and Scalability: | Tele-counselling and artistic innovation can have a profound positive impact on gender-based violence (GBV) awareness and support. Tele-counselling provides accessible and confidential mental health services, reaching those who may be geographically isolated or hesitant to seek in-person help. This fosters a sense of empowerment, aiding survivors in their journey to healing. Additionally, it serves as a preventive measure by offering resources and support to those at risk.
Artistic innovation, through various forms of expression, has the potential to reshape societal attitudes towards GBV. It engages emotions, breaking down barriers and facilitating open conversations. Art can amplify voices, sharing stories that might otherwise remain untold. This innovation encourages empathy and challenges cultural norms contributing to violence.
To adopt these approaches on a larger scale, collaborative efforts are crucial. Governments, NGOs, and community organizations can invest in tele-counselling infrastructure, training professionals, and promoting awareness about these services. Embracing artistic expressions requires supporting community-based initiatives, funding public art projects, and integrating arts education into awareness programs. By leveraging technology, education, and community engagement, these innovative approaches can be scaled globally, promoting a culture of empathy, prevention, and support in the face of gender-based violence.
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| Implementation Plan: | 1. Assessment Phase (Months 1-2):
Milestone: Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify specific issues, target demographics, and existing resources.
Timeline: Two months.
Resources: human resources for research, community engagement tools, and budget for data collection.
2. Strategy Development (Months 3–4):
Milestone: Formulate a multi-faceted strategy combining tele-counselling and artistic innovations for maximum impact.
Timeline: Two months.
Resources: expert consultation, development of counseling infrastructure, and artistic program planning.
3. Tele-Counselling Infrastructure Setup (Months 5-7):
Milestone: Establish a secure tele-counselling platform, train counselors, and promote awareness about the service.
Timeline: Three months.
Resources: technology investments, training programs, and promotional campaigns.
4. Artistic Expression Initiatives (Months 8–10):
Milestone: Launch community-based artistic projects, including workshops, performances, and installations.
Timeline: Three months.
Resources: artistic facilitators, materials, and community outreach programs.
5. Awareness Campaign (Months 11–12):
Milestone: Launch a comprehensive awareness campaign using digital media, community events, and partnerships.
Timeline: Two months.
Resources: marketing budget, collaboration with influencers, and community engagement teams.
Challenges and Mitigation:
1. Limited Technology Access: To address this, allocate a portion of the budget to provide technology access to underserved communities.
2. Stigma Surrounding GBV: Establish community liaisons and develop culturally sensitive messaging to reduce stigma, ensuring that survivors feel comfortable seeking support.
3. Financial Constraints: Seek partnerships with governmental bodies, NGOs, and private sponsors to secure additional funding for sustained efforts.
By addressing these challenges and adhering to the outlined milestones and timelines, our plan aims to create a sustainable and impactful initiative for fighting against gender-based violence.
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| Confirmation: | - By submitting this form, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge.
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