Welcome to Part 2 of our April 2025 Inspirational Interview with Kennedy Odede.
Kennedy Odede is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SHOFCO, Kenya’s largest community-based organisation, and one of Africa’s most esteemed social entrepreneurs. He is best known for his award-winning work to transform the lives of slum residents and direct resources and decision-making power to local community organisations. Kennedy was named in the TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people in 2024, as Schwab Foundation’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Wesleyan University.
In this part of the interview, Kennedy talks about SHOFCO’s impact on ending VAW in Kenyan communities and its future plans for empowering women and girls.
Part 1 of Kennedy’s interview was published 6 April 2025.
All pictures are courtesy of SHOFCO.
6. Over the years, what sort of impact has SHOFCO’s work had on stopping VAW in Kenya?
Our Gender and Inclusion program has significantly improved the safety and well-being of women and girls in informal settlements. In 2010, we opened our first gender safe house to provide temporary shelter for women and girls who have been victims of violence, and our safe house has been recognised as one of Kenya’s most effective VAW response models.
Today, when SHOFCO expands into a new community, a gender desk is one of the first programs implemented. Our safe spaces and support services have helped survivors rebuild their lives and our response systems have increased reporting and prosecution rates. For example, a recent VAW perpetrator was arraigned and sentenced to 30 years in prison within one week, due to SHOFCO and the community’s coordinated response. Violence against women has many causes, but we work to address the root of the issue–for example, helping women address power imbalance in familial relationships by gaining financial independence through our Sustainable Livelihoods programs.
7. One of the keys to eradicating VAW is to get men and boys on board efforts to do so. What do you think are the most effective ways of galvanising men and boys from conservative countries and cultures to help to end VAW?
SHOFCO has found it effective to be intentional in including men and boys at every level when it comes to gender inclusion and combatting gender-based violence. Through our programme with 160+ male and female Gender Champions, we conduct door-to-door visits and awareness campaigns, which drive shifts in mindsets and norms. Because of these Gender Champions and awareness campaigns, men and boys feel more comfortable standing up against VAW, and are aware of avenues for reporting violence anonymously.
SHOFCO also centres mental health support, and involves men and boys in counselling and group therapy programs. We have trained 4,400 youth mental health ambassadors (both men and women) to lead awareness programs and outreach with their peers.
8. Tell us about SHOFCO’s plans for the future. What campaigns, programmes, or projects do you have coming up in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, we have ambitious targets to empower women and girls:
- We aim to provide VAW case management to 100,000 people, and train and engage 13,750 leaders and gender champions.
- We also aim to create opportunities for young people in Kenya’s informal settlements by providing platforms for dialogue, access to financial services, and employment opportunities addressing the root causes of VAW in the communities we serve. 240,000 young women will be trained in leadership and civic engagement, and over 600,000 young women will be empowered with access to dignified work.
- All of SHOFCO’s work integrates gender equality. Our education programs will support 250,000 girls through life skills and empowerment initiatives, in partnership with local schools and community centres.
- Our WASH programs will improve access to dignified and safe water and sanitation services for 140,000 people.
9. How can The Pixel Project’s supporters engage with and support the efforts of SHOFCO to stop VAW and empower women and girls across Kenya?
Supporters can engage by amplifying our message across social media. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. The more people who hear about SHOFCO’s efforts to combat VAW and empower women and girls, the better! As we continue to spread awareness and shift mindsets, we hope more people will also be aware of the resources and pathways available to them through SHOFCO if they are survivors of VAW, and look to partner with other organisations to create awareness campaigns and training.
10. In your considered opinion, how can we end violence against women for good?
My work has shown me that education is key–both supporting and empowering women and girls with access to high quality education and the resources to stay in school, and educating communities to combat the traditional cultural mindsets that discriminate based on gender. It is also essential to elevate more women into positions of power, placing the decision-making in their hands.
