Nobel Women's Initiative

Since the 27 December elections, post-election violence has displaced thousands and killed hundreds in Kenya. Women in particular have been targeted: raped, tortured and forced into 'house arrest' (WEDO). In the face of growing political unrest and escalating violence, sister Laureate Wangari Mathai has been working tirelessly for a lasting solution to the crisis. We at the Nobel Women's Initiative support her efforts and urge an end to the violent bloodshed in Kenya, with particular attention to the violence women are facing.

We encourage you to support efforts to end post-election violence against women in Kenya and support peace and reconciliation for all Kenyans. We have listed some of the many organizations working for peace below.

Women's Environment & Development Organization (WEDO)

Post-election violence in Kenya: WEDO calls for urgent action

WEDO is urging human rights organizations and individuals, women leaders and activists, to join their Call to Action for peace and reconciliation in Kenya.

To add your endorsement to WEDO's Call to Action, send an email to lucy@wedo.org.

Urgent Action Fund for Women's Human Rights

Help set up rape crisis centers

Urgent Action Fund-Africa (UAF-Africa) has supported The Nairobi Women's Hospital to set up 4 crisis response centres (Women's Gender Recovery Units) in Mathare, Huruma, Jamhuri Park and Kibera to provide shelter, security, and more importantly medical and psychological care to rape victims who are unable to access the services because the informal settlements have been sealed off by security personnel and violent protestors.

Other contributors to this initiative include St Johns Ambulance and Red Cross who have provided an ambulance and tents respectively. UAF-Africa is appealing for more funds. This money will contribute to protecting the lives of the most marginalized; women and girls living in informal settlements. Those who are most vulnerable and subject to gender based sexual violence in this situation of crisis.

If you want to assist, kindly contact

Vicky Karimi or Betty Murungi at
Urgent Action Fund-Africa
Life Ministry Centre
Jabavu Road, Kilimani
PO BOX 53841-00200
Nairobi Kenya
Tel:               +254 20 2731095       
Fax: +254 20 2731094
info@urgentactionfund-africa.or.ke OR vicky@urgentactionfund-africa.or.ke

or

Lucy Kiamaa at
Nairobi Women's Hospital
Gender Violence Recovery Centre
Argwings Kodhek Road , Hurlingham
P.O. Box 10552 - 00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 20 2726821/4/6/7,               +254 20 2736845       
Fax: +254 20 2716651
Email: gvrc@nwch.co.ke OR lkiama@nwch.co.ke

World YWCA

Action Alert: 250,000 homeless in Kenya after post-election violence

Call to Action

The World YWCA is calling on member associations, civil society, partners and donors to take the following action to alleviate the suffering in Kenya:

1. Donate and support ongoing efforts
2. Advocate for women's inclusion in peace building
3. Say No' to impunity for rape and abuse of women
4. Dedicate a prayer session to Kenya

More Ways You Can Take Action:

• Learn more about The Green Belt Movement's Peace Tent Initiative
• Support the The Green Belt Movement
• Send appeals to Kenyan leaders to investigate threats and protect human rights defenders
• Global Day of Action: 27 February 2008