Since 2021, the Homa Bay Accelerate Project has provided essential support to 1,724 survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), offering medical care and counseling services at local health facilities. The rise in reported cases—265 in 2021, 493 in 2022, 588 in 2023, and 378 as of July 2024—highlights both the urgent need for assistance and the project’s expanding efforts to address these critical issues.
Nancy Awour’s story exemplifies one of these 1,724 journeys filled with courage and resilience. She dropped out of school at a young age, married early, and soon found herself in a violent relationship. Her husband’s struggles with alcohol led to frequent acts of violence, and fearing for her life, Nancy made the difficult decision to leave and return to her family home. As an orphan, she lacked a strong support system and faced the harsh realities of providing for herself and her children alone.
Determined to improve her situation, Nancy moved to Rodi in search of work. There, she discovered the transformative efforts of the Codea Community-Based Organization (CBO), supported by the Accelerate Project. Funded by the Embassy of Denmark in Kenya, the project focuses on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), aiming to empower individuals while addressing unmet needs related to contraception, maternal health, and GBV prevention. This work directly contributes to the “three zeros” ICPD25 Promise: zero unmet need for contraception, zero preventable maternal deaths, and zero gender-based violence.
Upon meeting members of the Codea CBO, Nancy found a safe space to share her experiences. They listened, provided counseling, and opened her eyes to a future beyond her hardships. At one of her lowest points, she even considered prostitution as a means of survival. However, the guidance she received helped her recognize new possibilities, including table banking—a community savings and loan model. Through this initiative, Nancy accessed funds to start a small business, allowing her to support her children’s education and meet essential needs.
“When I joined Codea’s table banking, I finally had enough to boost my business and pay school fees for my children,” Nancy shares. “I am so grateful for the support that took me from grass to grace.”
With financial security from her business, Nancy regained her confidence and became an active member of her community. She now participates in Codea CBO’s awareness activities, sharing her story to inspire others. For Nancy, this journey has replaced despair with hope, transforming her into a beacon of resilience for women in Homa Bay.
Today, Nancy’s story symbolizes the transformative power of the Accelerate Project and its impact on GBV survivors. She believes that everyone, regardless of their past, deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.
“This journey has been about finding my voice and showing my children that it’s possible to overcome even the darkest times,” she says. By sharing her experiences, Nancy hopes to empower other women to seek support and build lives they can be proud of.
