Activate Nairobi campaign has wrapped up a dynamic series of artistic weeklong events committing to use creativity to amplify conversations on gender equality and the rising threat of digital violence against women and girls.
The campaign, an initiative of the Embassy of Italy in Kenya, the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), was held in solidarity with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Speaking during the Awards Ceremony for the Canvas of Change: An Exhibition to Celebrate Women’s and Girls’ Rights art competition, Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services said: “ Over the past year, we have intensified efforts to strengthen the national protection system and improve community reporting mechanisms.”
Antonia Sodonon of UN Women highlighted: “Here in Kenya, 34 percent of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, and 30percent have faced sexual violence. Yet nearly 40percent of survivors never receive any form of help. Gender-based violence costs Kenya an estimated KES 46 billion every year. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives interrupted, futures stolen, and communities held back.”
At Unseen Nairobi, refugee youth from Kakuma Refugee Camp presented Voices Without Borders, a documentary screening featuring films co-created with The Kamp in partnership with Historia Sin Kilómetros. One film told the true story of a young woman whose identity was stolen and weaponised online, reflecting the growing risks of digital GBV. A post-screening panel brought together filmmakers, refugee youth and development partners to discuss storytelling as a tool for shifting perceptions and elevating displaced girls’ voices.
The campaign started at the Kenya National Library with the Canvas of Change exhibition and awards, celebrating young Kenyan artists addressing women’s rights through visual art. Winners Emmanuel Odhiambo, Mijide Kemoli and Mika Obanda were recognised for work confronting themes of abuse, online misogyny, and dignity for marginalised women.
At the Sarakasi Dome, the campaign partnered with Taa Arts Organisation to stage Dancing Words, a fusion of contemporary dance and curated literary readings exploring empowerment, gender identity and GBV.
Closing the series, award-winning actress Wakio Mzenge delivered a powerful solo reading of Elements—written by John Sibi-Okumu—at the Macmillan Memorial Library, unpacking trauma, resilience and healing. An audience discussion followed, highlighting the importance of safe spaces for survivors’ stories.
“This exhibition is one of several activities leading up to International Women’s Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Through platforms like this, we aim to celebrate creativity, highlight women’s voices, and inspire action that supports equality and inclusion,” remarked Ms. Lorenza Gambacorta, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy in Kenya.
Across the week, Activate Nairobi demonstrated how film, performance, and visual art can drive social reflection, amplify hidden voices, and inspire collective action towards gender justice.
