“As a country, we have to destroy the trauma and shame surrounding discussing Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights,” Claris states. She’s spearheading a petition to include SRHR education in Kenya’s junior high school curriculum, and her reasons are compelling.

Breaking the Taboo, One Signature at a Time

According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), one in nine girls and one in twenty minors experience sexual abuse or assault. Even more disturbing? Ninety-three percent of reported child rape victims knew their perpetrators.

“A familiar face sexually abusing a child will make it hard for the child to realize it is abuse and report it to relevant authorities,” Claris explains.

The Right Time, The Right Place

But why junior high school? “It’s around the same time that students learn about reproductive organs in Science,” she points out. “SRHR can go hand in hand with what is taught in Science and help students understand their own Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.”

Her vision for the curriculum is comprehensive from human sexuality and personal skills to addressing forms of sexual abuse and avenues for seeking justice. She emphasizes the need for age-appropriate content and teacher training to ensure cultural sensitivity.

Facing the Pushback

In a conservative culture, not everyone shares Claris’s vision. Yet she sees opposition not as a roadblock, but as an opportunity for dialogue. “I don’t see it as a challenge,” she says. “I view it as an opportunity to have heart-to-heart conversations with the persons in question.”

Claris has a message for parents and educators who might be uncomfortable with the conversation: “Information is power. Allowing comprehensive SRHR education allows our children to equally play a role in protecting themselves.”

A Movement Gaining Momentum

Currently backed by the Nguvu Collective initiative, Claris aims to gather 10,000 signatures for her petition. Her ultimate goal is to see SRHR education as an independent compulsory subject in all Kenyan junior high schools, both private and government-owned.

“This is not a journey of a few but a journey of many,” Claris emphasizes. “The future protection of our children depends on you and me.”

How You Can Help

Want to support the movement? Sign Claris’s petition and share it within your network. As she puts it, “Children have the right to enjoy their childhood without the burden of internal struggles and battles fought alone that can be prevented.”

In a world where silence often perpetuates harm, Claris Oyunga’s voice rings clear and true. Through education, she’s not just fighting abuse; she’s empowering a generation to speak up, stand tall, and know their rights.

The post How Claris Oyunga is Leading the Charge for Better Sexual Health Education in Kenya appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Early Career and Inspirations

Before co-founding Nguvu Collective, Durga honed her skills and expertise in various significant roles. Her career began as a television journalist, where she developed a keen understanding of the power of storytelling and media in shaping public opinion and driving social change. This foundation in journalism provided her with the tools to communicate effectively and advocate passionately for causes she believes in.

Advocacy and Campaigning Expertise

Durga’s extensive experience spans renowned organizations like Amnesty International and Change.org. At these institutions, she focused on Communications, Campaigning, Advocacy, and Fundraising in the development sector. Her work at the Change.org Foundation was particularly impactful, as she led initiatives to build digital campaigning and advocacy skills among women. This role allowed her to witness firsthand the potential of women from marginalized communities to drive significant social change when provided with the right tools and support.

Founding Nguvu Collective

The inception of Nguvu Collective was a natural progression of Durga’s passion for empowering women. Alongside Preethi Herman, Durga co-founded the organization with a vision to create an enabling environment for women to learn, share, connect, and lead impactful campaigns. Under her guidance, Nguvu Collective has grown into a powerhouse of advocacy, supporting women leaders in transforming their communities across Africa.

Balancing Professional and Personal Life

Durga’s commitment to her work is paralleled by her dedication to her family. She is a mother to a very talkative 8-year-old girl, who shares her passion for rescuing street animals. This unique aspect of Durga’s life showcases her compassionate nature and her ability to balance a demanding career with personal commitments. Her daughter often accompanies her on animal rescue missions, highlighting a shared bond and a mutual love for advocacy and care.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

Durga’s work with Nguvu Collective is just the beginning of her broader vision for social change. She aims to empower 1,000 women leaders from marginalized communities across Africa, equipping them with the skills and confidence to drive social impact. Through her efforts, she hopes to inspire future generations of women to step into leadership roles and advocate for issues that matter most to them.

The post Durga Nandini: A Catalyst for Change in Women’s Leadership appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.