History of VOWWEK

VOWWEK was founded in 2012 in Kimisu in Western Kenya. It was started to fight for the voices of rural LBQTI women in Western Kenya. VOWWEK accomplishes its goals through organized women’s groups in comprehensive sexual reproductive health issues, sexual- and gender-based violence, lack of access to justice, affirmative action, and women in politics.  The organization focuses on work with LBQTI women specifically in the rural areas of Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Busia, and Kakamega Counties. It is a service delivery organization that uses volunteer foot soldiers based in the rural areas to engage with beneficiaries, keep alive sensitive issues around LBTQI communities, and to provide a safe space for LBTQI women.

What We Do

VOWWEK was founded in 2012 in Kimisu in Western Kenya. It was started to fight for the voices of rural LBQTI women in Western Kenya. VOWWEK accomplishes its goals through organized women’s groups in comprehensive sexual reproductive health issues, sexual- and gender-based violence, lack of access to justice, affirmative action, and women in politics.  The organization focuses on work with LBQTI women specifically in the rural areas of Kisumu, Homabay, Siaya, Busia, and Kakamega Counties. It is a service delivery organization that uses volunteer foot soldiers based in the rural areas to engage with beneficiaries, keep alive sensitive issues around LBTQI communities, and to provide a safe space for LBTQI women.

Continuous Growth

Since its founding, VOWWEK has continued to expand its programmes. The health sensitization program and information sharing work began about two years ago when Kenya’s system of government switched from the national level to the county level. As the healthcare system has been brought to the county level, VOWWEK has been providing training to healthcare providers, as well as police chiefs, village elders, and cultural leaders to ensure a better understanding of issues like STIs and rape. VOWWEK is working to strengthen the process for women and other sexual and gender minorities to report sexual- or gender-based violence, receive safe and effective care at hospitals, and receive justice when reporting these attacks to the police.