KTN News Kenya recently had an insightful conversation with Annastacia Olembo, Associate Director of Gender Equality and Social Power at Women for Women International. The interview shed light on the prevalence of violence against women (VAW) in conflict-affected areas in Africa, and how WfWI’s programs work to meet the needs of women as they rebuild their lives.
During the interview, Director Olembo highlighted the factors that make women vulnerable during times of conflict, including cultural norms, a breakdown in preventive measures to protect women and the responsibility of caring for family amid the chaos of war. Director Olembo went on to explain the role that WfWI plays in addressing these challenges through our programs in countries like Nigeria, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan, where WfWI launched a Conflict Response Fund following the outbreak of deadly conflict in April. Our programs equip women survivors of war with the tools they need to create change for themselves and their families, and to thrive socially and economically.