Breaking the cycle of gender violence

Hey friends,

This month marked a rather sad turning for our fight against domestic violence. One of our activists, Chelimo, was brutally attacked by her husband. She lost two teeth and is currently admitted in hospital.

Her active participation has seen us organize several outreach campaigns in her rural village, Kapkoi, where violence had been on the increase.

With the support of a local religious organization, GEMINI was able to organize a two-day home visit for project beneficiaries, provide counseling and trauma support for women victims.

"We are happy that natural networks like churches are joining the fight against this vice," says Fr Koech of St Monica parish. "This is not only a social issue but also a spiritual one that could help us strengthen our relationships with God."

The campaign, slated to be officially kicked off next month, targets to reach 25 local churches. Religious leaders will be trained and equipped with the requisite skills to enable them tackle domestic violence from the puplit.

GEMINI will be instrumental in providing logistical support and linking the leaders to resources and other information necessary to make the campaign successful.

We continue to thank each one of you for your continued efforts in supporting us, even in times of calamity, like Chelimo's case. She has promised to be stronger and more focussed in her quest to seek social justice.

Again, our sincere gratitude to each one of you...please keep up the great work..