Making Space for Dialogue – Women Rights Defenders in Nairobi, Kenya is a conversation with Catherine Wangui, WHRD Toolkit Organizer and Florence Mwikali from Peace Brigades International - Kenya Project.We discussed solidarity, networking and the Mulika Wabakaji campaign. We also talked about feminism, what a gender-equal society looks like and how men can support women's rights.

With support from ProtectDefenders.eu, the Mulika Wabakaji Campaign Consortium launched the Mulika Wabakaji campaign. "Mulika Wabakaji" can be translated to ‘expose perpetrators of rape and defilement’. The campaign addresses the low conviction rate of perpetrators of rape and defilement and was initiated by the WHRD Toolkit Organisers.Now, the Mulika Wabakaji Campaign Consortium consists of 25 like-minded partners who work in synergy. The campaign was launched on 8th December and is expected to run for a period of 3 years.

40 years ago, in 1981, a group of international activists came together to create a movement for peace, solidarity and non-violent action. While our core mission remains the same, we have adapted our tactics to ensure defenders are protected despite the rapidly changing global context and ever-evolving risks and threats they face. 40 years on, PBI remains convinced of the vital role HRDs play in strengthening democracy, upholding the rule of law, and protecting our shared environment. Together, through their protection, we can create a more peaceful and just world.

International Women’s Day (IWD) takes place every year on March 8 to celebrate women’s rights and inspire people to act for gender equality. The theme for 2021 was #ChooseToChallenge. It highlighted the importance of challenging biases and misconceptions in the interest of creating a more inclusive and gender-equal world.