By reporter
The fight against the triple threat in Homa Bay received an impetus following the introduction of the Dignity App to curb the vices.
Centre for Women Empowerment & Technology (CWE-TECH) in collaboration with the Homa Bay government and more than 20 partners introduced the App where residents can forward their cases of human rights violation for help.
The new initiative which is considered one of the solutions to eradicating triple threat which includes Gender Based Violence (GBV), teen pregnancy and HIV infection in Homa Bay.
CWE-TECH co-founder Eunice Owino, Homa Bay Gender & Youth Affairs Chief Officer Dolphin Ochere and more than 20 organizations including Power for the People (PFP Dreams Global) project manager Caren Okombo said the platform will enable people to share their problems with confidence and without losing their dignity.
The gender defenders said they came up with such initiatives after studies on challenges affecting many women and girls in the county.
Centre for Women Empowerment in Technology conducted an assessment through focus group discussions on knowledge, attitude and perception of the community regarding the App.
Adolescents in confidentiality will get their issues addressed as they seek help by asking questions involving sexual and reproductive health.
GBV survivors can call a hotline number and lodge a complaint before being referred to the relevant agency.
Questions can also be asked on the platform and answers provided instantly.
Owino said the App strives to provide answers to questions being asked and solutions to problems people face in the society.
“Dignity App is a tool for information meant to address the triple threat issue that bedevils the community. The system operates on a 24-hour basis to help people anytime,” Owino said.
Speaking after completing their two-day conference program in Mbita town, Suba North constituency, Owino said they have introduced the App as they mark the 16 days of gender activism to mainstream the program.
Homa Bay is among the counties with a high prevalence of triple threat.
Dignity App requires an internet for clients with mobile phones and data to access it.
“We’re focused on bringing dignity to our people. Let people use the App well to enable them to get help,” she added.
The introduction of the App intends to help adolescents navigate through the puberty stage.
The platform will help them discuss and understand issues like reproductive health, sexuality, mental health, consent and any other vices affecting people.
Questions around sexual reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, puberty and empowerment are among others will be addressed.
“Clients can always seek help by inserting the question to get an appropriate response. Referrals are also provided,” Owino said.
Okombo argued that a lot of women and girls are suffering in silence as they lose dignity due to violation of their rights.
She said the platform will enable the women to air their plight and get help.
The organization works with communities to enable food security, education, water electricity and increased household income.
The fight against triple threat also includes making clean and safe water accessible to people and recruiting women into boda boda operations.
They undertake community engagement where they meet with young people.
“PFP Dreams Global is producing cost effective re-usable sanitary pads. We’re intensifying sensitization programs to empower teenage girls and young women to speak up for their rights,” Okombo said.
Homa Bay government has a Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) policy it uses to enhance the fight against triple threat.
Ochere appealed to residents to get ready to engage as a community to succeed in the fight against the GBV. The county government together with other partners has established a gender desk where GBV cases are reported.
