In 2016, PBI Kenya developed the Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD) Toolkit as part of its active efforts to counter violence against women and children. The initiative led to the creation of the WHRD Toolkit Organisers’ Network, composed of fifteen dedicated human rights activists living and working within their communities in Mukuru, Langata, Kibera, Kawangware, and Mathare. These Toolkit Organisers (TOs) were established community leaders advocating for women’s and children’s rights. Through structured collaboration with PBI Kenya, they contributed to the dissemination and ongoing development of the Toolkit while strengthening their own capacity through targeted trainings based on identified community needs. Over time, they built credibility, recognition, and trust within their communities as champions against inequality, abuse, stigma, and impunity—particularly in addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Between 2016 and 2023, this work opened important spaces for dialogue and collaboration among women, youth groups, traditional and religious leaders, institutions, legal actors, and media stakeholders. The journey strengthened community-based responses to SGBV and reinforced the role of grassroots defenders in supporting victims, raising awareness, and advocating both locally and internationally. Following the initial cohort, a second cohort (Cohort 2) was established. PBI Kenya continues to work with members from all cohorts to date. The experienced Toolkit Organisers now also serve as mentors to newer members, ensuring continuity, peer support, and collective resilience within the growing network.
Stories of strength— WHRDs paving the way
