In the heart of Wajir West, Kenya, Climate and Health Connect (CHC) embarked on a mission that goes beyond simply addressing the effects of climate change. Our project focused on something deeply intertwined with environmental challenges—gender-based violence (GBV). empowering women and girls is crucial for building resilience.
From the outset, we immersed ourselves in understanding the unique challenges faced by the Wajir community. Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, we engaged with community leaders, religious figures, and women’s groups. What we found was a pressing need for stronger GBV support services and a deeper understanding of how climate change intensifies these issues. This insight drove us to not only address GBV but to integrate this effort with broader climate resilience strategies.
A key element of our approach has been collaboration. We brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including local government officials, religious leaders, and women’s organizations. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, we’ve been able to strengthen the community’s capacity to support GBV survivors. One of our most effective tools has been community dialogues, where cultural norms contributing to GBV were openly discussed
Empowerment has been at the core of our activities. We provided training to local stakeholders to equip them with the knowledge and tools to prevent and respond to GBV. This included hands-on sessions for government officials, healthcare providers, and community members to ensure that the response to GBV is both informed and compassionate. Additionally, peer-to-peer learning and mentorship played a vital role in reinforcing the skills and confidence of those working on the ground.
We also recognized the importance of mental health in our holistic approach. To address the lack of mental health services in the region, we launched an online platform that provides assessments and support for issues like PTSD, burnout, and depression. This has been a crucial resource that offers help to those who might otherwise go without.
The impact of our work in Wajir has been profound. By building trust, fostering collaboration, and promoting cultural shifts, we’ve strengthened the community’s ability to support GBV survivors and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. This project demonstrated that addressing climate change isn’t just about environmental solutions—it’s about empowering people, particularly the most vulnerable, to thrive in the face of adversity.