P.O BOX 433-70300, MANDERA - KENYA
Human Rights Advocacy
Human Rights Advocacy
i. Countering Gender Based Violence (GBV)
Gender based violence is rampant in the area and ranges from physical harm, rape to psychological suffering inflicted on women, girls, boys and men. GBV is a form human rights violation and discrimination. It can lead to trauma, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and even death. In many countries of Mandera County GBV is not reported due to fear of stigmatization. VOPA will support capacity building to create awareness on dangers of GBV, advocacy campaigns and establish a hotline where victims can report.
ii. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
The pastoral communities still practice harmful female genital mutilation (FGM) as tradition and culture exercise that are directed towards girls or women. VOPA will lead awareness on the dangers surrounding the FGM in communities where the practice is still alive.
iii. Advocate for Girl Child Education
Many girls are missing out on the existing education opportunities due to backward traditional believes in rural areas. In towns, many young girls work as house helps while in rural areas they tend to livestock and household chores. Others are married while still in the teens apparently because its allowed by culture. VOPA will support and advocate for girl child education by creating awareness for girl child education at the community level. In addition, the organization will advocate for enforcement of the existing laws to ensure the right of girl child to education is protected.
