Today, a woman is killed every 18 hours in Kenya, with most reported cases being a murder committed by someone she knows, lives with and loves. Yet in Kenya, Femicide is not recognised as a crime and more often than not, perpetrators of sexual, gender based violence (SGBV) and intimate partner violence get away with their crimes, despite being known to their victims and in their communities.

These statistics are grim and sadly not unique to Kenya. Femicide is an increasingly worsening issue globally. The question is, why do we remain silent? Why are we not doing more to protect our girls and women?

Today, the brilliant trio of @boxpodpodcast hosts join me for a thought-provoking conversation as we explore the nuances that seem to influence our current culture and attitude towards SGBV. We also discuss possible first steps we should consider taking to effectively change the narrative and address the crisis.

Connect with my guests today:

Catch their podcast BoxPod TV on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Box-PodTV

Sheila Kwamboka (@Kwambox on Instagram) is a popular broadcaster, podcaster & communicator in Kenya.

Joyce Maina is a renowned actor, podcaster & our unhinged bestie on Instagram @joycemaina

Kerry is an internationally acclaimed artist, podcaster & our resident minister of enjoyment on Instagram @MrKerryMartin

Related episodes:

Our spotlight episode on Usikimye with Njeri Migwe:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49DqMUOXNI&t=571s

“Stop killing us!” A conversation with young feminists in Kenya

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxX6h13lcng&t=1s

CTRH podcast Location partner:

@ashleyfurniturekenya

@fairdealfurniture

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#FemicideInKenya #womenslivesmatter #makefemicideacrimeinkenya #endSGBV #SGBV #IPV #conversationstarter #dybunkingmyths #Edutainment #CTRHPodcast

In today’s episode of Circling The Rabbit Hole Podcast, we revisit a crucial topic: Youth and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) – but with a fresh perspective. Do teens and young adults have the right access to accurate information about their sexual health and reproductive rights? If so, what can we do to ensure they do? And how do we protect them from the dangers of misinformation in an era where digital platforms are flooded with unreliable content? To answer these pressing questions, I am joined by two extraordinary women who are at the forefront of advocating for SRHR. Lucy Minayo, co-CEO of Amplify Girls, and Judy Amina, Executive Director of SRHR Alliance, bring their wealth of knowledge, passion, and experience working to advance SRHR across diverse communities. Together, we examine the pressing need to promote, protect, and advance the SRHR of adolescent girls, boys, young people, and marginalized groups. As Judy aptly puts it: “These conversations need to start at the household level and then expand to the national level. This is the only way we can begin to see real change.” Judy Amina is a young Kenyan woman passionate about the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of young people, women and marginalized groups. She has been pivotal in steering SRHR projects targeting the youth, women, and vulnerable populations in Kenya for close to 10 years. Currently, Judy is the Executive Director for the Kenya Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance (SRHR Alliance) in Kenya which works to ensure the fulfillment of SRHR for all with a specific focus on young people, women and vulnerable groups. Connect with Judy Amina on social media @Judy Amina Connect with SRHR Alliance on social media @kenyasrhr Lucy Minayo is a lawyer and pan-African feminist. She’s been working in human rights for close to two decades and has gained invaluable experience in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR). She has been with numerous national and international NGOs, including FIDA Kenya, Kenya National Human Rights Commission, IPAS, and the Center for Reproductive Health Rights. Currently, Lucy is the co-CEO of Amplify Girls, a youth-focused organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) of adolescent girls, boys, and young people in Africa. Connect with Lucy Minayo on social media @ Lucy Minayo Connect with Amplify Girls on social media @amplifygirls How can you support this podcast? Subscribe & Rate this episode, Share & leave a comment. Find the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia-CTRH Continue the conversation with me on: Instagram https://instagram.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia?_t=8fV6A1bom0c&_r=1 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?mibextid=LQQJ4d

In today’s climate, mental health conversations are becoming more and more common. However, there is still one aspect that is still often overlooked — men’s mental health and wellness. Society still expects men to remain stoic, despite relentless life, relationship and financial pressures. A significant stigma still persists often shaming any form of vulnerability, which pushes many men into emotional isolation, addiction, abusive tendancies and silence. This lack of acknowledgment of their struggles not only harms men but also often leads to devastating effects in their families and communities. On this episode of Circling The Rabbit Hole, I am joined by Kelvin Mutiso, Co-Founder/CEO of OYE Kenya, and Chris Lyimo, a counseling psychologist and interventionist, to confront the systemic neglect of men’s mental health. While Kelvin discusses how financial instability and toxic masculinity can affect men’s emotional well-being, Chris offers a psychological perspective on how unspoken trauma and societal pressure exacerbate addiction and significant mental illnesses. Together, we examine how addressing men’s mental health is not only crucial for their survival but also vital in creating safer and healthier communities—an issue tied directly to the Femicide Marches we had last year in Kenya due to the ongoing Femicide pandemic. As Kelvin says in the episode, “It is time we examine what the original sin was; to ask ourselves: when was the moment we missed the boat in addressing these issues and now the boat is far out in the sea and we are struggling to catch it?” Join us as we unpack the stigma and explore possible solutions. Chris Lyimo is a believer that everyone deserves a second chance. He advocates for us to think through and communicate issues affecting people and aids in providing the clarity necessary for their transformation process, e.g., addiction treatment and recovery, mending relationships. As the lead therapist and interventionist at Creative Insights, Chris is inspired by the possibility of exploring who people truly are, at their core. He considers conversations and storytelling as an important way to access intimacy, freedom, healing, understanding and right action. Connect with Chris on social media @lyimo.chris on Instagram and @Chris Lyimo on Facebook Kelvin Mutiso is a Kenyan entrepreneur and financial innovator who co-founded OYE Kenya (Organized Youth Empowerment Kenya). OYE Kenya focuses on providing accessible financial solutions for underserved communities such as Boda Boda riders, particularly through innovative lending and credit products. Kelvin is also known for advocating for mental health awareness, especially concerning how financial pressures impact emotional well-being, particularly among men. His insights often highlight the intersection of financial challenges, societal expectations, and mental wellness, making him a key voice in conversations around financial literacy and emotional resilience. Connect with Kelvin on social media @kelvinmutiso How can you support this podcast? Subscribe & Rate this episode, Share & leave a comment. Find the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia-CTRH Continue the conversation with me on: Instagram https://instagram.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia?_t=8fV6A1bom0c&_r=1 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?mibextid=LQQJ4d

For context, Kenya still criminalizes same-sex relationships under the penal code sections 162, 163 and 165. In 2023, the family protection bill introduced by MP George Kaluma attempted to penalize homosexuality further with the death penalty. This bill was however ruled against on 12.09.2023. The law as it stands leads to various violations against the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, including hindering their access to comprehensive SRHR and Mental health services in the country.

Today, my guest Kivenzi Muange and I address the unique issues that the LGBTQ+ community in Kenya faces, specifically when it comes to SRHR, mental health wellness, intimate partner violence, and access to tailored healthcare, in addition to the weight of social stigma.

In our conversation, we share invaluable insights into initiatives driving change, including policy advocacy, efforts to train healthcare providers on inclusive care, and creating community support networks that empower individuals and foster resilience. We also unpack the urgent need for systemic reforms and cultural shifts to ensure equitable access to healthcare and the upholding of basic human rights for LGBTQ+ Kenyans.

This episode is a call to action for allyship and a deeper understanding of the ongoing fight for equality. Make sure to watch/listen and join the conversation.

Kivenzi Muange (Kim) is a dedicated human rights defender passionately advocating for the rights of trans and queer Kenyans. Kim's work revolves around highlighting the issues that affect these communities, from facing eviction and violence to broader social injustices. Through organizing community engagements, Kim aims to provide holistic healing and foster communal knowledge, creating safe and supportive environments for all. Currently, Kim works at GALCK+ as the Assistant Operations Officer.

GALCK+ is a coalition of LGBTQ+ organizations in Kenya that champions the human rights, inclusion, and dignity of sexual and gender minorities. It serves as a central advocacy body, striving to create a safe, equitable, and inclusive society for LGBTQ+ individuals by addressing systemic discrimination and providing platforms for visibility and empowerment.

Connect with Kim on social media @fkatwinkss

Connect with GALCK+ on social media @galck_ke

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#LGBTQRights #SRHRForAll #GenderEquality #InclusiveHealthcare #HumanRights #EndSGBV #SRHRKenya #LGBTQKenya #AdvocacyMatters #EqualityForAll #StopGenderViolence #HealthcareAccess #QueerVoices #BreakingBarriers #EndDiscrimination #StigmaFreeHealthcare #PolicyChangeNow #GBVPrevention #CTRHPodcast #GALCK+

Mothers are the pillars of society; quite literally, we would not exist without them. Unfortunately, across the world, in both high and low-income countries, maternal morbidity and mortality rates are still unacceptably high. Why are we still struggling to ensure that every woman going through pregnancy, labour and delivery and postpartum recovery comes out the other end safe and sound? My guest on today’s episode is the visionary Dr. Jemimah Kariuki, a practicing OB/GYN and founder and CEO of Wheels for Life, an initiative dedicated to improving maternal health by providing essential resources and support to expectant mothers, particularly those in underserved and low-resource settings. Dr. Jemimah is also a wonderful mother of 2, beautifully balancing motherhood with her career in Medicine. She joins me for a compelling discussion on the critical importance of maternal health, offering both her personal and professional insights. In our conversation, we dive deep into the essential aspects of mother and child health, including prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care, and the role of community support in keeping mothers and newborns safe. We also offer practical advice on pregnancy wellness, emotional health, and managing the challenges of motherhood, as well as professional perspectives on financial preparedness for the journey towards motherhood. We also touch on the notion of a decent work-life balance for mothers who are also building careers. This is a necessary discussion, not only for new and expectant mothers but also for their partners, family and friends. Tune in to understand why maternal health a crucial pillar for healthy societies and learn how even small, informed actions can make a significant difference. Dr. Jemimah Kariuki Gichuhi is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and the Founder & CEO Wheels for Life, which is a healthcare initiative that provides pregnant women in underserved communities with emergency transportation and access to essential maternal care. During the COVID19 pandemic she organised an ambulance service which enabled pregnant women to safely access maternity care. Her hard work and massive impact through this initiative led her to being listed as one of the BBC's 100 Women in 2020. Connect with Dr. Jemimah Kariuki on social media @drjemimah_kariuki Connect with Wheels for Life on social media @wheelsforlifebydrjemimah How can you support this podcast? Subscribe & Rate this episode, Share & leave a comment. Find the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia-CTRH Continue the conversation with me on: Instagram https://instagram.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.claire.kinuthia?_t=8fV6A1bom0c&_r=1 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dr.claire.kinuthia?mibextid=LQQJ4d

In loving memory of Dr. Jean Kagia (1948–2024)

In today’s episode, we honour the life and work of Dr. Jean Kagia, a well respected Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and dedicated CEO of the Protecting Life Movement Trust and Kiota Rescue Centre, who passed away on July 5th, 2024.

In her final interview, Dr. Kagia tackled one of Kenya’s most difficult topics: the incest crisis. Listen in as she delves into the profound impact of incest and sexual abuse within families as the hidden cause of many unintended pregnancies in young girls and teens.

This conversation offers a raw exploration of how sexual abuse, often hidden by family members, contributes to a vicious cycle of trauma, secrecy, and crisis with a devastating impact on our children, both girls and boys. Dr. Kagia shares insights into preventive measures that communities, families, and policymakers can take to address and reduce the incidences of incest and sexual abuse within the family unit.

Dr. Jean Wamaitha Kagia was a distinguished Obstetrician and Gynaecologist based in Nairobi, Kenya. She dedicated her career to maternal health, focusing on issues surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. She was known not only for her medical contributions but also for her strong voice in Kenya’s Protecting Life Movement, where she actively worked to support young girls who chose to carry unintended pregnancies to term, by creating support systems they could thrive within. Her focus extended to tackling the root causes of pregnancy crises in Kenya, including sexual abuse and incest, topics she addressed with courage and clarity.

We extend our sincere condolences to her husband, children, family, friends, colleagues & all those who were impacted by her love, wisdom & inspiring work. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

If you would like to support Dr. Jean Kagia’s passion, vision, life’s work and the powerful legacy she left behind, please consider sending a contribution to her organisations @protecting_life_movement_trust & Kiota Rescue Centre via

Mpesa Paybill 932100

Account Number: Your name

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#ProtectingLifeMovement #PregnancyCrisisSolutions #MaternalHealthKenya #KenyaHealthcare #reproductivehealth #SexualAbuseAwareness

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Welcome to a new episode of Circling The Rabbit Hole Podcast. Joining me today is Ashley Muteti, founder of the Zuri Nzilani Foundation, which she established after the heartbreaking loss of her first daughter, Zuri, to complications following a late diagnosis of severe pre-eclampsia.

For those unfamiliar, pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure that typically occurs in the second half of pregnancy. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications for both mother and baby, making it one of the leading causes of maternal and infant mortality worldwide.

In our conversation, we highlight why every expectant parent, caregiver, and healthcare professional needs to be informed about pre-eclampsia. We’ll dive into the challenges of diagnosing and managing the condition, the importance of regular prenatal care, and how Ashley’s foundation is helping women navigate this dangerous pregnancy complication.

Ashely Muteti is a Communication and Public relations specialist in Nairobi, Kenya. In 2019, Ashely founded Zuri Nzilani Foundation, a non-governmental organization focused on maternal health advocacy in Africa, a mission that she is very passionate about, having twice survived pre-eclampsia herself. Through the Zuri Nzilani Foundation, Ashley is on a mission to raise awareness about hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, and to provide social support, training, advocacy, and research on this dangerous pregnancy-related condition.

Due to her advocacy efforts in Kenya, she was named Top 100 Kenyans in 2022 and is a nominee of the 2023 East Africa Youth Awards for championing Maternal and Child Health in East Africa. Through the foundation, Ashely hopes to transform maternal health in Africa through sustained sensitization and engagement.

Connect with Ashley Muteti on social media @ashley_muteti

Connect with Zuri Nzilani Foundation on social media @zurinzilanifoundation

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On today’s episode of ‘Circling The Rabbit Hole’ podcast, we speak about a chronic and often very painful condition that has impacted the lives of many women — Endometriosis. According to statistics, Endometriosis affects roughly 1 in 10 women globally, and in Kenya, it's estimated that over 4 million women suffer from this debilitating condition. Yet, many go undiagnosed for years due to a lack of awareness and limited access to proper healthcare.

Today I am honored to sit down with the remarkable Elsie Wandera, a true warrior in every sense of the word, to talk about endometriosis. As the founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of Kenya and someone who has battled endometriosis herself—enduring multiple surgeries and fertility challenges—Elsie’s resilience and dedication to raising awareness for the condition is nothing short of inspiring.

Today we discuss how women can better cope with endometriosis, the emotional and physical toll it takes, and how to manage its debilitating symptoms. We also dive into the stigma surrounding motherhood for women with endometriosis, discussing the judgement and societal pressure that often comes with fertility struggles. Furthermore, we highlight the crucial need for health workers to be more informed and aware of endometriosis, so they can offer timely diagnosis and better healthcare support for women suffering from this condition.

Join us as we unpack the important topics surrounding this condition and learn how we can break the silence, improve healthcare, and support women living with endometriosis.

Elsie Wandera is a dynamic Kenyan social entrepreneur and women's health advocate, with a strong focus on endometriosis. She is the Founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of Kenya and a member of the World Endometriosis Organisations Steering Committee.

She has received numerous accolades for her advocacy work for women with endometriosis, including the Kotex #SheCanAwards Honoree in 2021 and the 2018 Jacob's Well Award. She also received the Heroes with Impact Award from Unilever in London, UK for embodying the company's values and demonstrating passion and purpose in and out of the workplace. She is also a member of the World Endometriosis Society.

Connect with Elsie Wandera on social media @elsie_wandera

Connect with Endometriosis Foundation of Kenya on social media @endofoundke

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