The specter of terrorism looms large over the Kinango Sub-county in Kwale County. The community is being radicalized through various channels, such as through recruitment agencies and social media by enticing them with narrative sums of money and to acquire a sense of identity. This has been contributed by marginalization, unresolved grievances, the allure of adventure, andretrogressive cultural practices.
While both genders are susceptible to radicalization, young women and girls face additional risks. They are promised financial support and marriage. In addition to the trauma of losing a loved one, women and girls are disproportionately affected by the arbitrary arrest and disappearances, which have devastating consequences to their families and communities because they face economic hardship and social exclusion.
A troubling trend of disappearances among young people in the county has been raising suspicion of arbitrary arrest by the police and this leads to mistrust towards law enforcement agencies. Women are overlooked in discussions about security and justice, further marginalizing their voices and experiences. Regressive beliefs about gender rights and religious practices greatly contribute to gender-based violence and early/forced marriages. This dure situation contributes to school dropouts, exacerbated by the lack of proper education and information among the youth, making them susceptible to unwise choices.
To address this issue, Nawiri-CBO has launched the ‘Promoting Gender Inclusivity and Religious Harmony project with the overall goal of enhancing community resilience to violent extremism in Kinango Sub- County.
The Project Goals
- Gender inclusivity is promoted within the communities including positive masculinity.
- Extremist ideologies are counteracted through interfaith collaboration and community awareness.
