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Our Founding Story
From Crisis to Compassion
How We Began the Fight Against GBV
On April 9, 2019, the brutal murder of Dr. Ivy Wangechi at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital sent shockwaves across Kenya. But the horror did not end there. Instead of widespread outrage and calls for justice, social media was flooded with chilling memes of axes used as profile pictures, accompanied by threats against women.
Recognizing an immediate shared vision to end femicide and Gender Based Violence (GBV), Njeri Migwi and Stella Khachina co-founded Usikimye, a dedicated organization amplifying survivors' voices, sharing factual GBV resources, and facilitating essential referrals. Their shared leadership helped establish Usikimye's early survivor networks and emergency response initiatives.
We deeply acknowledge and appreciate Stella Khachina and Njeri Migwi’s efforts, contributions, and sacrifices in building Usikimye into the vital force it is today.
Usikimye quickly became a lifeline, with survivors reaching out for on-the-ground help. These pleas revealed a devastating truth: existing systems were failing, leaving no safe havens for those in need. This ignited a new urgency, leading Usikimye to expand and provide safe houses and direct support to survivors transforming it into a safe space for survivors.
From that moment, Usikimye stood as a testament to the power of collective action and a promise to build a future where survivors safety, dignity and justice is restored.
In 2024–2025, with partners' support, Usikimye underwent a redesign and strategic planning process, adopting a five-year Strategic Plan and refreshing its website to align programs, partnerships, and learning around our core mission: ending all forms of GBV, including femicide.
We remain committed to this journey, dedicated to expanding safe, quality services; strengthening prevention, mitigation, and response; and advancing a society where everyone is free from the scourge of Gender Based Violence.
Join the collective effort. #Usikimye #EndGBV
Our Mission is to end Gender Based Violence by delivering survivor centered , trauma informed services and driving community powered change in Kenya
Core Values
Dignity & Respect
We uphold the inherent worth of every individual, ensuring all interactions are conducted with respect and sensitivity, fostering a safe and empowering environment
Survivor-Centeredness
We place the voices, rights, and lived experiences of survivors at the centre of everything we do. We ensure that all interventions are rooted in choice, autonomy, safety, and respect
Trauma-Informed
We recognize the impact of trauma on survivors and integrate this understanding into all aspects of our work, providing services that promote healing and avoid re-traumatization.
Inclusion & Justice
We are committed to creating a just and equitable society, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or identity, have equal access to support and opportunities.
Feminist Leadership
We challenge patriarchal structures and power imbalances, center marginalized voices, and promote gender equality in all aspects of our work. We value diverse perspectives, foster collaboration, and advocate for systemic change through a feminist lens.
Integrity & Accountability
We act with honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct, holding ourselves accountable to survivors, partners, and the community we serve.
Thousands Of People Need Your Help Every Day
Start One Of Our Program Today And Help People In Need
We Need Your Support To Make It Happen
Our vision is to create a just and compassionate society in Kenya where every individual lives free from violence, with dignity, safety, and opportunity.
Our Programs
Empawa Mama
To support the long-term recovery and self-reliance of survivors through holistic mental health, peer support, and economic justice programming.
Read MoreSafe Haven
Since 2020, Usikimye has operated three safe houses, providing shelter, healing, and economic empowerment to GBV survivors through skills training, entrepreneurship, and job placements.
Read MoreUzima Mental Health
This is a community-led initiative designed to address the psychological toll of gender-based violence (GBV), poverty, and systemic marginalization on women and girls in Kenya.
Read MoreThe Femicide Accountability and Community Empowerment (FACE)
This is program is our comprehensive approach to tackling this urgent issue.
Read MoreWatoto Washibe
This is a vital community initiative in Soweto, providing nutritious meals to children four times a week right outside our offices.
Read MoreBinti Shine
We address the unique barriers adolescent girls and young women face, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions about their bodies, their relationships, and their ...
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