The Defenders Coalition has officially launched the 7th Annual Women Human Rights Defenders Forum, widely known as NiMama Forum, bringing together 136 women human rights advocates from across Kenya under the unifying theme #GiveToGain.
The two-day forum serves as a critical platform for reflection, dialogue, and solidarity among women at the forefront of defending human rights.
Participants following discussions at the 7th Annual Women Human Rights Defenders Forum. Photo: Courtesy.
Participants are engaging in deep conversations around the progress made in advancing the rights of women and girls, while also confronting the persistent challenges that continue to hinder full equality and protection.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Defenders Coalition Executive director Kamau Ngugi underscored the shrinking civic space and the growing risks faced by defenders.
“We are meeting at a time when the civic space is increasingly constrained and, in many ways, hostile. Across the country, we continue to witness growing restrictions on fundamental freedoms, alongside targeted attacks on those who dare to speak out. Women human rights defenders, in particular, are disproportionately affected,” said Ngugi.
Coalition Executive director Kamau Ngugi. Photo: Courtesy.
Echoing similar sentiments, Defenders Coalition head of programs and strategic partnerships Gloria Madegwa highlighted the increasingly difficult environment in which women human rights defenders operate.
“We are convening at a time when the operating environment for Women Human Rights Defenders continues to grow more complex and, in many cases, more hostile. Many WHRDs are navigating serious risks, including technology-facilitated Gender-Based Violence, surveillance, criminalization, and economic vulnerability. Despite these challenges, they continue to stand firm, to speak out, and to hold systems accountable,” she said.
Defenders Coalition head of programs and strategic partnerships Gloria Madegwa. Photo: Courtesy.
From grassroots activists to seasoned advocates, the forum creates space for shared experiences,stories of resilience, resistance and even reform.
Discussions are expected to highlight key issues such as gender-based violence, shrinking civic space, and the safety and wellbeing of women human rights defenders themselves.
Panel discussions at the 7th Annual Women Human Rights Defenders Forum. Photo: Courtesy.
These discussions are also expected to shape future advocacy strategies, influence policy direction, and reinforce the vital role women human rights defenders play in building a more just and inclusive society.
Through panel sessions, workshops, and collaborative dialogues, the forum aims to generate actionable resolutions that will strengthen efforts to safeguard the rights of women and girls across the country.
The theme #GiveToGain underscores the importance of collective effort emphasizing that meaningful progress is achieved when individuals and institutions invest in each other’s growth, safety, and empowerment.
Edited by John Majau
