The Gender Division

Welcome to the Gender Division of Kilifi County’s Department of Gender, Youth, and Social Services. Our mission is to foster gender equality, empower marginalized groups, and address gender-based violence to build a more inclusive and equitable society.

Mandates and Key Initiatives
1. Gender Mainstreaming

Our core mandate is to integrate gender perspectives across all county policies, programs, and projects. We are committed to ensuring that gender equality is embedded in every aspect of our governance and service delivery.

Key Initiatives

Policy Integration

We conduct comprehensive reviews of existing policies and develop new ones to ensure they are gender-sensitive and inclusive. Our aim is to eliminate gender disparities and promote equal opportunities for all.
Capacity Building: We organize training sessions and workshops for county officials, staff, and community leaders to enhance their understanding of gender issues and improve their ability to implement gender-sensitive practices.
Gender Analysis Tools

We have introduced tools and frameworks that support gender analysis in planning and implementation, ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into all projects.
Monitoring and Evaluation: We continuously track and evaluate our gender mainstreaming efforts to assess their effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
2. Empowerment and Economic Development

We focus on empowering women, youth, and marginalized groups through economic development programs and initiatives. Our goal is to provide these groups with the tools and resources needed to achieve economic independence and success.

Key Initiatives

Entrepreneurship Training

We offer specialized training programs for women and youth in various sectors, including agribusiness, digital business, and creative arts. These programs are designed to build skills, enhance business acumen, and encourage entrepreneurial ventures.
Financial Access Programs

In partnership with financial institutions, we provide access to credit and funding opportunities through programs like the Wezesha Fund. These initiatives help entrepreneurs secure the financial resources needed to grow their businesses.
Market Linkages

We facilitate connections between local entrepreneurs and larger markets, both within and beyond Kilifi County, to help them expand their reach and increase their market presence.
Mentorship and Networking

Our mentorship programs pair emerging entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders, offering guidance and support. We also organize networking events to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among business owners.
3. Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response

Addressing and preventing gender-based violence (GBV) is a top priority. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for survivors and working towards the elimination of GBV through education and advocacy.

Key Initiatives

Safe Shelters

We have established safe havens for GBV survivors, providing them with a secure environment and access to medical care, legal aid, and psychosocial support.
Community Awareness Campaigns

Our awareness campaigns aim to educate the community about GBV, challenge harmful cultural norms, and promote gender equality. These campaigns include community dialogues, media outreach, and school-based programs.
Legal Support and Advocacy

We offer legal aid services to GBV survivors and advocate for stronger laws and policies to protect against GBV. Our efforts include supporting survivors in accessing justice and navigating the legal system.
Training for Service Providers

We provide specialized training for healthcare providers, law enforcement officers, and social workers to ensure they can effectively respond to and support GBV cases.
Partnerships and Collaboration

We collaborate with local and international organizations to enhance our GBV prevention and response efforts. These partnerships help us deliver comprehensive support and drive systemic change.
4. Youth and Women Empowerment

We are committed to empowering youth and women through various programs and initiatives that address their unique needs and challenges. Our focus is on creating opportunities for growth, development, and leadership.

Key Initiatives

Leadership Development

We offer leadership training programs for women and youth, equipping them with the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles within their communities and beyond.
Educational Support

We provide educational resources and support to vulnerable adolescents, including textbooks, school fees, and scholarships. Our goal is to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to succeed academically and professionally.
Advocacy and Awareness

We work to raise awareness about the rights and needs of youth and women, advocating for policies and programs that support their well-being and advancement.
5. Community Engagement and Advocacy

Our division actively engages with the community and advocates for gender equality and social justice. We believe that community involvement and advocacy are crucial to creating lasting change.

Key Initiatives

Community Dialogues

We organize dialogues and forums to discuss gender issues, gather community feedback, and build consensus around solutions to gender-related challenges.
Advocacy Campaigns

We run advocacy campaigns to promote gender equality and address social issues affecting women and marginalized groups. These campaigns aim to influence policy, raise awareness, and drive positive change.
Stakeholder Collaboration

We work closely with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations, to coordinate efforts and maximize impact.

Join us in our efforts to promote gender equality, empower individuals, and build a safer, more inclusive Kilifi County. Together, we can make a difference.