As Kenya grapples with the challenges of gender-based violence (GBV), 11 local entrepreneurs are offering innovative solutions to prevent GBV and support survivors. These changemakers will present their initiatives at the Innovate Against GBV Pitching Event, organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with the National Gender Equality Commission (NGEC), Nairobi County Government, and GrowthAfrica.
This event, expected to attract over 100 participants, will feature a panel of jurors, including investors, gender experts, and other stakeholders. The entrepreneurs will showcase business models developed to address GBV, aiming to secure support and resources for their ventures.
This comes amidst a rise in the rates of GBV in Kenya, innovative and community-led solutions have become increasingly critical. “GBV profoundly affects individuals, communities, and the nation’s socio-economic development. Businesses can play a unique role in driving societal change,” said Makiko Kubota, Chief Advisor of the NGEC-JICA GBV Elimination Project.
JICA’s commitment to social and economic development aligns with this initiative. “Startups have the potential to address pressing social issues like GBV through sustainable and innovative solutions,” added Misako Uehara, SME/Startup Ecosystem expert with the Kenya Institute of Business Training (KIBT)-JICA Project.
From Ideas to Impact
Over the past six weeks, the Innovate Against GBV program has provided participants mentorship, strategic business guidance, and practical resources. This support has helped entrepreneurs develop impactful ideas to tackle GBV. The pitching event will connect them with investors and partners to scale their solutions and reach affected communities.
“Entrepreneurship can drive meaningful social change, going beyond profit to address critical issues like GBV,” said Patricia Jumi, Managing Director of GrowthAfrica.
A Collective Commitment to Empowerment
The Trade and Development Bank (TDB) Group, which will host the event at its TDB Tower Operations Hub, emphasizes the importance of initiatives addressing societal challenges. “TDB is committed to gender equality and women’s empowerment through policies, internal practices, and the projects we support,” said Sheila Amule, TDB Group Executive for People and Organizational Development.
The Entrepreneurs Driving Change
The program highlights the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling GBV. Featured entrepreneurs include:
- Heels4Pads by Angela Waweru
- Residence Technologies by John Kioko
- Amicus by Robert Ayub
- ConnectHer by Consolata Waithaka
- Klinik Telehealth by Steve Dimba
- Data Lock by Vince Sila
- Safework App by Emmy Moorhouse & Steve Otieno
- Kuza Freezer by Dennis Onkangi
- MOMA Renewable Energy by Yvonne Mose
- Mars Agrofarm by Stephen Ndungu
- She’s Safe by Jacinta Kazenzi
The Innovate Against GBV Pitching Event demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to eradicating GBV through entrepreneurship and collaboration. By empowering local innovators, it brings the nation closer to a future free of gender-based violence.
