The need for stronger coordination to improve justice for SGBV survivors
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by
Comms Team
Comms TeamFIDA-Kenya Executive Director Sophie Kaibiria has urged justice institutions and survivor-support organisations to work together more closely to help survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) get justice. At the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Community Dialogue for the Nairobi Region on Friday, October 23, 2026, at African Inland Church (AIC) Riruta, Nairobi, Ms Kaibiria encouraged prosecutors, investigators, health workers and legal aid providers to join forces to remove obstacles that stop survivors from seeking justice.
She pointed out that delays in reporting violence, intimidation, family pressure to drop complaints, and loss of evidence are major challenges that need a coordinated response. Ms Kaibiria also stressed the importance of survivor-centred approaches that protect survivors’ privacy, dignity, and safety, as well as proper protection for children and other vulnerable witnesses.
“CHAPA Gumzo is an important opportunity to bridge the gap between justice institutions and the people they serve. For women and girls, access to justice must go beyond the existence of laws; it must include safety, dignity, responsive institutions and accountability,” Ms Kaibiria said.
She also pointed out the need to keep victims informed about case progress, court procedures, and their rights. She noted that financial difficulties, intimidation, and having to attend court many times can make survivors give up on their cases.
Ms Kaibiria also asked for more community dialogues, better legal aid and referral systems, and training for justice sector workers so they can handle new types of violence, such as technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).
The ODPP, together with the International Justice Mission (IJM), organised the dialogue to help justice institutions connect better with communities. The event aimed to raise awareness of the ODPP’s role, listen to community concerns, build citizen trust, and make it easier for people to access justice.
By taking part, FIDA-Kenya showed its continuous commitment to supporting the rights of women and girls and working for a justice system that is open, responsive, and accountable to the communities it serves.
