NAIROBI, Kenya- In a groundbreaking effort to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV), 11 Kenyan entrepreneurs are showcasing innovative solutions designed to address this pervasive issue.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with the National Gender Equality Commission and Nairobi County Government, culminates in a high-profile pitch event on December 5, 2024.
The event, aptly titled “Innovate Against GBV,” will spotlight transformative business models that aim to prevent GBV and provide vital support for survivors.
The Innovate Against GBV Pitching Event will bring together over 100 participants, including gender experts, investors, and other key stakeholders.
These changemakers are set to present their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of jurors, with the ultimate goal of scaling their solutions to create a lasting societal impact.
“This is more than a competition; it’s a launchpad for innovative ideas that challenge the status quo,” said Makiko Kubota, Chief Advisor of the NGEC-JICA GBV Elimination Project. “Businesses have a unique role in standing against GBV and fostering change.”
To prepare for this moment, the participating entrepreneurs underwent six weeks of rigorous mentorship, strategic business planning, and practical guidance.
Their solutions are not only addressing GBV but also envisioning a future where survivors receive robust support, and prevention mechanisms are deeply embedded in society.
The pitch event showcases the power of entrepreneurship as a tool for social change. With support from partners like GrowthAfrica, the initiative emphasizes how business models can transcend profit motives to tackle critical societal issues.
“We’re proud to back these entrepreneurs,” said Patricia Jumi, Managing Director of GrowthAfrica. “Their work demonstrates how business innovation can drive real change and positively impact communities.”
By connecting participants with investors and collaborators, the event aims to amplify these ideas, turning small-scale initiatives into large-scale solutions capable of reaching vulnerable populations.
The event, hosted by the Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB) at their Nairobi Operations Hub, underscores the private sector’s role in addressing societal challenges.
“Our commitment to gender equity runs deep,” said Sheila Amule, TDB Group Executive for People and Organizational Development. “With women holding nearly half of our staff positions and over 50pc of jobs supported by our loans, we are proud to stand behind initiatives like this.”
Such partnerships highlight the potential for cross-sector collaboration in tackling GBV, showcasing how businesses and organizations can work together to create meaningful change.
