By Juliet Gachee

In a ground breaking collaboration aimed at combating gender-based violence (GBV), Daystar University and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently organized a two-day business idea marathon event on the 7th and 8th of March, 2024. This event, held at Daystar University, brought together a diverse group of passionate participants dedicated to discussing innovative business solutions to eliminate GBV and support survivors.

The event kicked off with remarks from Mr. Kenji Hayashi, JICA senior representative, who expressed his honor and privilege to be part of the first-of-its-kind event in the world. He emphasized JICA's commitment to gender equality and women empowerment, noting that elimination of GBV is a key approach to building a society where everyone can show their full potential, regardless of gender.

ODeL Director, Dr. Caroline Ayuya-Muaka, , spoke on behalf of VC Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro, commending JICA and its partners for the initiative. She noted that the event was a significant initiative towards GBV protection through business idea innovations and expressed gratitude to JICA and its partners for allowing Daystar University to host the event.

Caroline Waikena, who spoke on behalf of Chairperson, NGEC, Dr. Joyce Mutinda highlighted the importance of the event in identifying innovative business solutions to address GBV in Kenya. She noted that GBV is a widespread and socially tolerated human right violation that affects women and girls more than men and boys.

Makiko Kubota, Advisor, NGEC-JICA GBV Elimination project, provided an overview presentation on the business idea marathon to address GBV. She noted that GBV impedes economic development by limiting the full participation of women in the workforce, education, community, and entrepreneurship. She emphasized the need for actions to promote gender equality and women empowerment in all spheres of society, as well as focused action to prevent and prosecute GBV and protect and empower survivors.

The event also featured a keynote speech from Mr. Joseph Ogutu, Chairperson Safaricom Foundation, who highlighted the economic impact of GBV and the need for businesses to take a leading role in fighting GBV. He noted that businesses should provide resources and build capacity for anti-GBV programs, as well as tap into their products and services to drive equality. He also emphasized the importance of addressing GBV as an economic issue, noting that the loss as a result of GBV in Kenya is six or seven times more than the initial estimate of $50 million. He highlighted the role of businesses in fighting GBV, emphasizing the need for businesses to provide resources and build capacity for anti-GBV programs and tap into their products and services to drive equality.

The event featured a panel discussion with panelists including Naomi Mwaura, Executive Director, Floan Initiative, Alice Onsarigo Program Manager, Zana Africa, David Maia, Director, Head of Business, Performeter, Head of Business, Alberta Wambua, Executive Director of the Gender Violence Recovery Center, and Timothy Gachucha, External Affairs and Partnerships Manager, Power Lean Project. Participants had the opportunity to pitch their business ideas aimed at preventing GBV and supporting survivors, with awards presented to the top three pitches that demonstrated innovative solutions to combat GBV.

The event culminated in a business idea marathon where participants pitched innovative solutions to combat GBV. Noteworthy winners included Sauti Salama, Klinik, and Kinga, each awarded for their impactful ideas. The event's success was summed up by Tabitha Nyambura's closing remarks, emphasizing that every participant, judge, and audience member played a vital role in addressing GBV.