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Spaces for Trauma Awareness and Healing (STAH) Program is a signature program for SCCoDev. It aim is to create, hold and transform trusted spaces where affected communities get an opportunity to openly discuss traumatic events and their impact on their lives. Traumatic energy in most cases get individuals and communities trapped in the Victim and Aggressor’s cycles. Through the STAH program, participants also discuss tangible ways of breaking from victimhood and aggressor’s cycles.
At the heart of the STAH Program is the healing circle. Participants sit in a circle throughout the sessions. The circle makes them see themselves as part of each other enabling them to gradually gain confidence to open up to each other and support each other in their healing journey.
In September 2020, SCCoDev piloted the STAH program in Mt. Elgon Region. A five-day social healing circle meeting for 20 affected women who were mostly widows was organized. These affected women used the space to share about the great losses they suffered during the violence: loss of dear ones, homes, land and properties. Many of their sons were tortured and imprisoned.
With the help of trauma awareness materials that included posters, folklores, and stories from the Bible, these women were able to relate to their own traumatic experiences and how the traumatic events affected them mentally, emotionally, socially, physically and psychologically. They got a chance to listen to each other and held the trusted space for each other whenever one of them was overwhelmed emotionally. Each time most of them were overcome by the emotions, they sang songs that consoled them emotionally and songs that lifted their spirits.
Among the affected women were victims – those whose husbands were killed innocently. Others were seen as perpetrators – those whose husbands were directly involved in the violence and caused the death of other innocent people. During the first two (2) days of the social healing circle meeting, one could easily observe the division in the group and the isolation of one particular participant from the rest especially during mealtimes.
The women who participated in the above STAH program resolved to set up a community based organization and called it Leketyeet to continue with the healing and reconciliation initiatives. Leketyeet is a belt that women in the Sabaot community tie around their waist when their sons go for war and only untie it when they come back alive. The same belt is used by women when mediating in conflicts. When two groups are engaged in a fight and a woman manages to put through leketyeet between them, they have to end the fight immediately.
The group members appealed to SCCoDeV to support them reach out to other affected members of their communities – youth, fellow women, elders, spiritual leaders and men. Leketyeet members want us to journey with them to support a community-led and-owned program aimed at creating, holding and transforming trusted spaces for social healing and reconciliation. We believe and experience has shown that trauma awareness creation and social healing restores a person’s inner peace and at the same time peace in the community.
The advocacy work of SCCoDev is rooted in the fundamental belief that every individual deserves to be recognized, respected, and empowered. Through targeted campaigns, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, we strive to challenge stigma, discrimination, and systemic barriers faced by intersex individuals. Our advocacy efforts aim to raise awareness about intersex issues, educate the public, and influence policy change at local, national, and international levels. We advocate for the implementation of inclusive policies that protect the rights of intersex individuals, promote access to healthcare, and ensure equal opportunities in education, employment, and other areas of life. By amplifying intersex voices and advocating for their rights, we seek to create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone can live authentically and with dignity.
Research and Education: We conduct thorough research on intersex issues, including legal frameworks, healthcare disparities, societal attitudes, and the experiences of intersex individuals in Kenya.
Community Engagement: We engage with intersex individuals, their families, caregivers and relevant stakeholders to understand their needs, concerns, and priorities, build trust and rapport within the community by listening to their stories, validating their experiences, and involving them in the advocacy process.
Strategic Partnerships: We collaborate with other organizations, healthcare professionals, legal experts, and government agencies to leverage collective expertise, resources, and influence.
Awareness Campaigns: We develop targeted awareness campaigns to raise public awareness about intersex issues, challenge stereotypes, and promote acceptance and inclusion. We utilize various platforms and media channels, including social media, workshops, seminars, and community events to disseminate educational materials and engage with diverse audiences.
Capacity Building: We build the capacity of intersex individuals and their allies to advocate for their rights effectively. We equally build the capacity of state actors and civil society on intersex rights.
Monitoring and Evaluation: We continuously monitor and evaluate our advocacy efforts to assess their impact, identify areas for improvement, and adapt strategies accordingly. We collect data, measure outcomes, and solicit feedback from stakeholders to ensure accountability and transparency.
Crisis Intervention: We provide crisis intervention services for intersex individuals experiencing acute distress, suicidal ideation, or other mental health crises through immediate support, referrals to mental health professionals or emergency services, and follow-up care to ensure their safety and well-being.
Through skills development programs, intersex individuals gain access to education, training, and employment opportunities. By equipping them with valuable skills and resources, SCCoDev empowers intersex individuals to pursue their career aspirations, achieve financial independence, and contribute positively to their communities.
Vocational Training Programs: In Partnership with Toolkit Skills and Development, we offer vocational training programs tailored to the interests and abilities of intersex individuals. This include skills training in areas such as computer literacy, artisanal crafts, agricultural techniques, culinary arts, or other trades that are in demand in the local job market.
Entrepreneurship and Business Development: We provide training and support for intersex individuals interested in starting their own businesses or income-generating activities. We offer workshops on business planning, financial management, marketing, and access to microfinance or small business loans to help them launch and sustain their enterprises.
Financial Literacy and Management: We provide financial literacy workshops and resources to help intersex individuals learn how to budget, save, and manage their finances effectively by offering guidance on banking, credit, investments, and other financial tools to help them build assets and achieve their financial goals.
Mentorship and Networking: We establish mentorship programs where intersex individuals are paired with successful professionals or business owners who can provide guidance, advice, and support as they pursue their career or business goals coupled with connecting them to possible employers.
Life Skills and Personal Development: We offer training sessions on essential life skills such as communication, time management, problem-solving, and self-advocacy by providing support for personal development, resilience-building, and overcoming barriers to success in both professional and personal life.
Dr. Dennis Wamalwa during one of the advocacy forums in a local radio station
Dr. Tecla (right) of SCCoDev & team engaging Intersex Persons during a Psychosocial Support session
SCCoDev Flagging off 5 intersex persons for new job opportunity
Our Theory of Change is grounded in the belief that systematic change occurs through a multi-faceted approach. We envision a society where affected and intersex individuals are embraced for their unique identities, afforded equal rights and opportunities, and empowered to live authentically without fear of discrimination or prejudice. To achieve this vision, our Theory of Change focuses on three key pillars: awareness and healing, advocacy and policy change, empowerment through skills development. SCCoDev uses targeted awareness campaigns, advocacy efforts, provision of psychosocial support and skills development programs, and strategic collaborations with stakeholders, we aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society where affected and intersex rights are upheld and respected. By addressing the root causes of discrimination and promoting societal acceptance, our Theory of Change seeks to bring about lasting positive change for intersex individuals in Kenya and beyond for sustainability and positive transition into adulthood.
Equality: Advocating for equal rights, opportunities, and protection for affected persons intersex under the law and within society.
Inclusivity: Creating inclusive spaces and platforms where affected and intersex individuals, their families, and allies can come together, share experiences, and support one another without fear of judgment or exclusion.
Transparency: We are committed to open communication, ethical conduct, and responsible stewardship of resources.
Collaboration: Building partnerships and alliances with other organizations, government agencies, and community leaders to leverage collective expertise, resources, and influence for greater impact.
© 2021 – SCCoDev