Millions of vulnerable women and girls are set to benefit from a gender rights centre being established by the Federation of Women Lawyers-Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) to provide affordable legal aid, mediation, counselling and protection services under one roof.
The multi-service justice hub is expected to address some of the barriers that continue to prevent women and girls from accessing justice, including the high cost of legal services, lengthy court processes, lack of legal awareness, geographical distance, social stigma and fear of reporting gender-based violence.
FIDA-Kenya is seeking to raise Sh4 million to equip and operationalise the newly acquired mediation centre, to provide a more accessible and dignified alternative for women and vulnerable groups seeking justice.
The initiative was unveiled during the inaugural FIDA-Kenya Steps for Justice Walk at Uhuru Park on Saturday, which attracted more than 500 participants, including lawyers, corporate sponsors, advocates and members of the public.
Held under the theme “Walking for Access, Walking for Dignity, Walking for Change,” the walk was aimed at raising resources for the centre while creating public awareness on the need for greater access to justice for women and girls.
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FIDA-Kenya Deputy Director Janet Anyango said many women facing family disputes often confront several interconnected challenges, including child support, housing, finances and personal safety.
She said access to justice should therefore not be limited to taking cases to court but should include timely, affordable, safe and effective mechanisms for resolving disputes and protecting rights.
'"The new centre will be a complete justice hub, offering support in one place. It will provide mediation and other ways to resolve issues like family, custody, maintenance, property, and inheritance disputes," she said.
FIDA-Kenya noted that its alternative dispute resolution programmes have recorded success rates of between 72 and 74 per cent over the past four years, demonstrating the potential of mediation to resolve disputes without the delays and costs associated with conventional litigation.
Beyond mediation, the centre will provide legal aid, information and referrals to women, girls and other vulnerable people who may otherwise struggle to navigate the justice system.
"The centre will also offer counselling and psychosocial support to people dealing with family disputes, displacement and gender-based violence," said Anyango.
A safe space will be established for women and children requiring urgent protection, while a Virtual Justice Hub will enable victims and other justice seekers to access services remotely.
The facility will also have a women and girls leadership unit aimed at strengthening their participation and voices in leadership and decision-making.
The organisation's Head of Communications Mark Owuor said the Steps for Justice Walk was not only about raising funds to operationalise the centre but also about building public awareness and creating a movement around accessible and dignified justice.
Anne Maina, one of the participants, said she joined the walk because she supports initiatives that seek to ensure indigent women can access justice without having to worry about legal fees.
The establishment of the centre comes as FIDA-Kenya marks 41 years of advocating for gender equality and women's rights in Kenya.
Organisers said proceeds from the walk would also help support future mediator training, research on gender-responsive mediation, policy discussions and stronger partnerships with the courts.
The centre is expected to bring several justice-related services closer to vulnerable women and girls, reducing the need for survivors and families to navigate multiple institutions in search of legal, psychological and protection support.