April 9,

Nairobi, Kenya

Women human rights defenders’ efforts against covid-19 bolstered

Defenders Coalition applauds the timely and critical responses that human rights defenders are taking within their communities to ensure awareness, adoption of the highest hygiene practices and upholding of human rights during this COVID-19 pandemic despite the numerous challenges they face while at it.

Women from Sengwer Indigenous Women during a soap making activity

Defenders Coalition supported women human rights defenders (WHRDs) networks’ efforts geared towards promoting personal hygiene and access to water for handwashing during COVID-19.

The networks that benefited from the support include Maringo Finest in Makadara, Magharibi Social Justice Center, Feminists for Peace, Human Rights & Justice Centre in Kibera, Turudi Nyumbani in Korogocho, Coalition for Grass-root Human Rights Defenders-Kenya in Mathare, Sengwer Indigenous Women, Nakuru Human Rights Network in Nakuru county, Faiya Women Group from Marsabit and Samburu Women Trust in Samburu.

Support at Coalition for Grass-root Human Rights Defenders-Kenya in Mathare

The support commenced by enhancing the capacities of the WHRDs in the networks on a sustainable model of self-soap production for household use and distribution amongst community members.

After their capacities were enhanced, the women would then scale up the support by transferring the skills to their constituents.

Women from Feminists for Peace, Human Rights & Justice Centre in Kibera duing a soap making demonstration

Some networks also received support to acquire water tanks for setting up public hand washing stations within their communities.

Moreover, the WHRDs were provided with personal protective equipment (PPEs) for personal and loved ones’ safety against corona virus disease while monitoring human rights violations within their communities.

Following the support, the networks are actively engaged in making soap that they distribute door to door or have placed on public handwashing stations within their communities.

You can support these initiatives through sending donations via

Mpesa Paybill Number: 810896

Account: COVID-19 HRD Support Fund

NCBA Bank Account Number: 1001188727

Account Name: National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders – Kenya.

Packaged soap ready for distribution in Maringo