Gender in Kenya: defining solutions & understanding complex problems
Don’t miss the half day session at the Gender in Public Health & Safety Consultation (18-19 Oct) with Ellie Bird Lenawarungu Founder and President of the
The Amuka Foundation.
This is a special session delivered with co-facilitator, Jane Townsley, Director of Force International.
Session overview: Defining Effective Solutions; Understanding the Complexity of the Problem
This session will draw upon two case studies from Kenya; the first addressing harmful traditional and cultural practices affecting the lives of women and girls in the pastoralist community. It will consider criminal matters, the role of law enforcement and transitional justice alongside issues of health and wellbeing. The second case study will focus on the adverse impact of humanitarian crisis and conflict on women and children from a criminal and health perspective. It will consider the status of women in conflict settings, conflict related sexual violence and transition to new standards of justice and compliance.
The objective will be for participants to understand the need to understand the complexity of any problem, considering it from different perspectives whether that is law enforcement of public health, understanding the difference of transactional and transformational solutions and sustainability. It will prompt discussion on the impact of budgetary constraints, performance frameworks and priority themes.
About Ellie Bird Lenawarungu
Founder and President
Ellie served for more than thirty years as a police officer across the UK. Her passion for protecting those who are vulnerable and mentoring young people to develop skills and confidence to protect themselves and achieve their goals suited her new life in Kenya after retirement in 2014.
Ellie believes that effective solutions require an understanding of the complexity of problems. Amuka Foundation is committed to develop leadership and resilience within communities; a broad range of activities each addressing elements of the problem. Ellie has seen how equipping a mother with the skills to make reusable sanitary towels ensures that she can protect and provide for her children, her daughter can attend school and that she has the confidence to make decisions for the safety and wellbeing of her family.
As a consultant, working across Africa, Ellie advises on gender based violence, women, peace and security. Ellie donates a percentage of her earnings each month into sustaining the Foundation’s administration and project activities.
As well as developing young people in Kenya, Ellie is keen to share her experience and insight with other young people and those in leadership positions around the World.
