Proposed Community-Based Violence Prevention Programme
Developed from our Rising Strong experience in Kericho, Kenya and Wakiso, Uganda. Moving communities from awareness to accountability and from discussion to prevention.
The Rising Strong Community Roundtable for Violence Prevention
MezaDuara Initiative is a proposed community-based violence prevention programme developed by Young Wombs Trauma Centre from its Rising Strong experience with teenage mothers, adolescent girls, and survivors of violence.
“Meza Duara” is a Swahili term that refers to a roundtable approach. The programme brings together adolescent girls and young women, parents and caregivers, male champions, cultural and religious leaders, teachers, health workers, police, local government, child-protection actors, and other community stakeholders.
Together, these stakeholders discuss the root drivers of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), learn about prevention and survivor-centred responses, and develop practical community-led solutions.
Bringing the Community Together
Effective violence prevention requires active participation from all levels of community leadership and influence.
Girls & Young Women
Adolescent girls, young mothers, and survivors sharing lived experiences and leading safe reflection.
Parents & Caregivers
Building supportive home environments, eliminating neglect, and protecting girls from vulnerability.
Male Champions
Engaging men and boys as allies in dismantling harmful gender norms and stopping violence.
Cultural & Religious Leaders
Transforming harmful social norms and promoting justice, dignity, and care within faith & tradition.
Teachers & Health Workers
Providing survivor-centred first care, early identification, and trauma-sensitive support in schools & clinics.
Police & Child-Protection Actors
Strengthening legal pathways, local government accountability, and referral mechanisms for justice.
Comprehensive Prevention & Protection
The MezaDuara model systematically targets violence in both the family and broader community.
Defilement & SGBV
Educating communities on sexual rights, legal protections, and reporting channels to stop sexual violence against minors.
Child Marriage
Challenging forced early marriages and keeping girls in school through community watchdog networks.
Domestic Violence & Neglect
Addressing intimate partner violence and parental neglect that pushes adolescent girls into extreme vulnerability.
Harmful Social Norms
Deconstructing deep-seated cultural expectations and gender inequalities that enable violence.
Stigma & Discrimination
Eliminating shame surrounding teenage pregnancy and sexual assault to enable survivor healing.
Breaking the Silence
Creating safe spaces and practical support structures so girls feel empowered to speak up and seek help.
How MezaDuara Drives Community Action
Through structured steps, MezaDuara transforms community dialogue into actionable accountability.
Structured Dialogues
Facilitated discussions on local SGBV drivers.
Safe Reflection
Trauma-informed space to reflect without judgment.
Referral Mapping
Mapping legal, health, and psychosocial pathways.
Action Planning
Co-designing community-led solutions & bylaws.
Follow-up Meetings
Ensuring ongoing community accountability.
Kericho, Kenya & Wakiso, Uganda
MezaDuara Initiative will be implemented by Young Wombs Trauma Centre in Kericho County, Kenya, and Wakiso District, Uganda. We welcome funding partners, child protection advocates, and community leaders to join us in bringing this roundtable model to life.