Empowering Local Leaders as Advocates
The Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) in Kenya collaborates with chiefs and local leaders, training them as advocates for women’s rights and resources for victims. This initiative addresses the lack of local support for women experiencing violence. Women who suffer abuse often turn to hospitals, clinics, or chiefs, yet these groups were previously unable to meet their needs. COVAW aimed to change this dynamic.
Training Workshops and Government Support
Thirty-five chiefs from various communities volunteered, viewing the project as a way to enhance their reputations. With government clearance, COVAW ensured the project had legal support, allowing chiefs to act confidently, backed by human rights law. COVAW organized two workshops: one trained chiefs and medical staff separately, while the other brought both groups together. This coordinated effort strengthened women’s rights within their communities. After the workshops, chiefs began documenting abuse cases and reporting monthly to COVAW during site visits.
Overcoming Challenges and Advancing Women’s Rights
Challenges arose, such as limited resources and chiefs’ preference for verbal reports. Despite this, the approach has significantly benefited women and their communities. Women now receive better treatment and greater access to support. This tactic uniquely leverages local resources and leaders, who, though initially unprepared, are now trained advocates for women’s rights.
Benefits for Chiefs and Women Alike
The program’s success lies in its mutual benefits. Chiefs gain positive recognition, and women receive improved support. This mutual gain encourages chiefs’ participation and strengthens the program’s impact on women’s rights.
What we can learn from this tactic is the power of local leadership in driving social change. By training community leaders like chiefs to advocate for women’s rights, COVAW harnessed existing local authority structures to better support victims of violence. This approach shows that empowering local figures can transform them into valuable allies who can address social issues more effectively within their communities. Applying this model in other contexts demonstrates how collaboration with local leaders can improve the responsiveness of support systems, encourage cultural shifts, and create a foundation for sustainable change in various human rights initiatives.
New Tactics in Human Rights does not advocate for or endorse specific tactics, policies or issues.
