This was YWLI's response to the post election violence in Kenya. 'The Aftermath' comprises of a series of events organised by YWLI following the chaos after the December 2007 general elections. The chaos and violence left a total of 1,133 people dead and approximately 350,000 others homeless and internally displaced (Commission on Inquiry into Post Election Violence (CIPEV) aka Waki Commission). A notable number of women and girls and in some instances men and boys faced different forms of sexual violations including gang rape, forced female and male genital mutilation. 

In line with our commitment to advance the rights of women, we joined other women's organisations in addressing the situation and especially alleviating the status of internally displaced persons. YWLI engaged in peace and social justice initiatives aimed at promoting the dignity of women as well as enhance the role of women as agents of change in promoting peace and social justice.

The following activities have been implemented:

a)   The sanitary pads project

This initiative specifically addressed the sanitary needs of women in IDP camps by providing sanitary items like sanitary pads, inner pants, lessos (kangas), soaps, antiseptic, baby diapers and baby oils to women and girls. The goal of the project was to safeguard & promote sexual and reproductive health rights of girls and women affected by the violence. It also sought to acknowledged and create visibility on the impact of violence on women's rights and health. It also sought to promote their self esteem through sessions at the camps. The exercise covered some IDP camps in Molo, Eldoret, Turbo and the refugee camp in Tororo, Uganda.

b)   Positive vibrations

Positive Vibrations (PV) is an initiative aimed at mobilising the young women and men to wage peace and promote social justice through reggae music. The initiative uses messages from reggae music to open dialogue on peaceful co-existence while at the same time addressing issues of hegemonic masculinities that 'normalize' violence against women. It is also aimed at creating a network of young women and men leaders who promote peace within the existing community projects. 

Though this initiative uses reggae music it is meant to be a leadership call for action by community members and the political class.  

Positive Vibrations engages the youth in creating solutions in addressing impunity and promoting social justice, peace and reconciliation within the community.   The initiative included sessions dubbed "spit and move forward" where women expressed their anger, shock, grief, joys, and hopes about the post elections violence. Tears were shed and hugs were exchanged. Strategic leadership training was also carried out to enable the women be agents of change in their localities.

Other activities planned for the project is the peace caravan that aims to bring together young people from different areas affected by violence in Nairobi to preach peace and emphasise the positive role that the youth should play in peace and social justice.

YWLI has been working with Kaloleni Life Trust (KALI Trust) on this initiative.  KALI Trust is an embryonic community based organisation founded to mobilise women and youth for action to change turn around the social problems affecting one of the poorest urban settings in Nairobi. YALI has been mentoring KALI Trust in their work. For more information on how to support or get involved in KALI Trust contact Mildred Ngesa on email: ngesamildred@gmail.com