Bridging the Gap: Tech-Driven Solutions in Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response in Kenya

Globally, nearly one in three women experience gender-based violence (GBV) in their lifetime, a statistic mirrored in Kenya where GBV remains a pervasive issue. Addressing this challenge, integrating technology into GBV prevention and response has proven essential. Through digital tools and data-driven strategies, innovative programs like Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) are making significant strides in protecting and empowering vulnerable populations, transforming the landscape of GBV prevention and response in Kenya.

CDC Kenya, through PEPFAR, funded Monitoring and Evaluation and Strategic Information Systems (MESIS) Project, implemented by Health Strat, is enhancing strategic information capacity for HIV/AIDS programs in Kenya through monitoring, evaluation, and data science. One core area of this project is supporting the DREAMS database to optimize HIV programming for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). This story is also about how CDC-supported MESIS and USAID-supported Tumikia Mtoto projects in Kenya complement each other in furthering U.S. public health objectives abroad. USAID Tumikia Mtoto is a DREAMS project implemented by World Vision International with the goal of reducing the rate of HIV infection among adolescent girls and young women between the ages 10-24 in Kiambu and Nairobi counties.

Photo caption: USAID Tumikia Mtoto Team at a DREAMS Safe Space in Dandora in Nairobi County.

CDC-supported MESIS project has been instrumental in digitizing the DREAMS system addressing the efficiencies, particularly in GBV reporting.

“Before digitization, the paper-based reporting system for GBV in the USAID Tumikia Mtoto Project was labor-intensive and prone to data loss, leading to many unreported or delayed referral of cases. Adolescent girls and young women were reluctant to carry the forms home due to stigma and confidentiality concerns particularly among those receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreP) or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).” Samuel Orina said. “Digitization has significantly improved data quality, confidentiality, and efficiency, enabling better resource allocation and real-time access to comprehensive GBV data.” He added.

Post-Digitization Efficiencies

The efficiencies gained since the automation of the GBV reporting tools have been significant. One of the most notable improvements is in data quality. USAID Tumikia Mtoto and other PEPFAR funded implementing partners have successfully documented complete referrals, ensuring that adolescent girls and young women are assured of the confidentiality of their information, which encourages them to seek services. Access to the DREAMS database is now restricted to authorized individuals with explicit permission considering data protection guidelines, allowing them to assess gender-based violence cases. The case management process has become more streamlined, and real-time data access has improved the delivery of post-violence care ensuring that survivors receive the support that they need.

Digitization has led to substantial time and resource savings. Data synchronization is now real-time and easily accessible for service delivery. The KES 3 million (USD 23,255) that was used to cover the cost of printing paper forms has been reallocated to provide dignity packs for 3,500 adolescent girls and young women annually. Digitization has also enhanced service delivery for adolescent girls and young women based on the outcomes of their assessments.

Photo caption: Collince Odhiambo demonstrating use of the DREAMS mobile application.

Impact on Decision-Making

Digitized data allows targeted community sensitization and mapping of male sexual partners for adolescent girls and young women to develop more effective interventions. For example, data on focused messaging in Nairobi County has shown reduced GBV incidents involving boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) riders. Real-time data access is ensuring prompt post-violence care and referrals of adolescent girls and young women. 

The GBV data captured through DREAMS plays a vital role in shaping advocacy and policy development at both the county and national levels. Digitization has also made it easier to conduct quick assessment of DREAMS interventions outcomes by collecting high-quality, comprehensive data that is readily available for use. The data is made available to the Department of Social Services in Nairobi and Kiambu counties to enable the exchange of best practices and strategies that can be adopted in other sub-counties beyond the scope of the CDC-supported MESIS project.

Improving GBV Survivors’ Experience

Maintaining confidentiality is crucial in empowering GBV survivors to seek help and begin their healing journey. Confidentiality helps build trust between survivors and service providers, reduces stigma, promotes better mental health for survivors, and leads to better access to necessary health, legal, and social services. With MESIS support, the DREAMS program has reported an increase in trust among GBV survivors and led to better follow-ups and outcomes.

Photo caption: James Baaru, Davis Mutuku, Wilson Mutua, Betner Nyamota and Caren Oburu holding GBV placards.

Other Opportunities to Leverage Technology to Combat GBV

“While we have seen remarkable results in digitization, more work lies ahead. We have an opportunity to integrate the SMS platform to enable easy reporting and quick response. Additionally, Global Positioning System (GPS) can play a critical role in helping to locate the precise location of victims and support digital referrals to essential services.” Samuel Orina said.

Naftally Ongeri a Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the MESIS project added “Digitization of GBV response reporting tools allows real-time monitoring of identification, reporting, and management of GBV cases by counties and implementing partners. Replacing traditional paper-based reporting systems with digital solutions, has allowed stakeholders to enhance their response mechanisms, data accuracy, and service delivery for GBV survivors.”

Conclusion

The integration of data and technology in the DREAMS program demonstrates the significant impact on GBV prevention and response. Continued efforts and technological advancements are crucial to closing the gaps in GBV reporting and ensuring safety and empowerment for adolescent girls and young women.

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