In the ongoing fight against gender-based violence (GBV), 11 Kenyan entrepreneurs are taking bold steps to prevent GBV and assist survivors through innovative solutions.
After weeks of mentorship, these entrepreneurs will present their initiatives at the Innovate Against GBV Pitching Event, organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with the National Gender Equality Commission (NGEC), Nairobi County Government, and GrowthAfrica.
This event, anticipated to host over 100 participants, marks a significant milestone in the business plan contest aimed at addressing GBV.
The event will feature presentations of these transformative business ideas to a jury of investors, partners, gender experts, and other key stakeholders.
This initiative goes beyond competition, serving as a catalyst for meaningful change.
By championing business models that address GBV, the Innovate Against GBV program aims to provide entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and support needed to scale their solutions and create a lasting societal impact.
Harnessing Entrepreneurship to Combat GBV
Amid rising GBV rates in Kenya, the demand for innovative, community-centered solutions is urgent.
“GBV profoundly affects individuals, communities, and Kenya’s socio-economic landscape. We must adopt dynamic actions, and businesses play a pivotal role in combating GBV and fostering societal change,” stated Makiko Kubota, Chief Advisor of the NGEC-JICA GBV Elimination Project and program initiator.
“JICA, as an agency supporting socio-economic development in emerging nations, can spearhead efforts within the startup ecosystem to address pressing social issues like GBV through innovative and sustainable solutions,” added Misako Uehara, SME/Startup Ecosystem expert for the KIBT-JICA Project for Enhancing Enterprise Competitiveness in Kenya.
From Ideation to Impact: Empowering Entrepreneurial Solutions
Over six weeks, the Innovate Against GBV business plan contest has offered participants extensive mentorship, strategic guidance, and practical resources.
The entrepreneurs have refined ideas aimed at creating a GBV-free future.
“This event allows them to connect with investors and partners to scale their solutions, delivering impact to communities in need. It exemplifies how entrepreneurship can drive social change by addressing deeply rooted societal challenges,” said Patricia Jumi, Managing Director of GrowthAfrica.
A Shared Vision for Transformation
The Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB), hosting the event at its TDB Tower Operations Hub, underscores its commitment to initiatives addressing societal challenges like GBV.
“At TDB Group, we strongly support women’s empowerment. Internally and through financed projects, we prioritize gender sensitivity, inclusion, and protection against abuse. Nearly 50% of our staff are women, and over 50% of the jobs supported by our loans are held by women,” noted Sheila Amule, Group Executive of People and Organizational Development.
A Future Free from GBV
The Innovate Against GBV Pitching Event reflects Kenya’s dedication to combating GBV through innovation, collaboration, and community-driven approaches.
By empowering local entrepreneurs, the program highlights the potential for collective action to deliver impactful solutions, bringing Kenya closer to a GBV-free future.
The entrepreneurs presenting their projects 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
