Kenya: Agnes

Agnes was alone when post-election violence erupted in Nairobi, Kenya. She lived in Kibera, one of the largest slums in Africa, and her husband had fled the violence four days earlier. 

One night, immersed in total darkness due to power blackouts, Agnes heard a knock on her door and what seemed like a familiar voice. Thinking it might be her husband, she opened the door and was grabbed by three men. The men took turns raping her and the ordeal continued for hours before the men left just before dawn.

Agnes was too ashamed, shocked and pained to leave the confines of her house after her horrific ordeal. But word of her experience reached Judy, a worker with one of CARE’s partners, The Institute for Development and Welfare Services.

With the support of CARE, Judy brought Agnes to the hospital, where she was tested for HIV and offered counselling to help her cope with the fears and anxieties resulting from the violence she had experienced.

Agnes was later introduced to a local Village Savings and Loan Association through which she gained strength and confidence, as well as financial aid and social support. She met other women who had similar experiences and finally felt that she wasn’t alone.

 “I am thankful to CARE for the assistance” she says, noting that she has been given the opportunity to start her life over again. As her one-year-old daughter Mary peeked out from behind her shawl, she says: “I wish for Mary all that I did not have. I dream that she will be a doctor or a nurse some day, and she will help those like myself who have been hurt.”

CARE runs nearly 80 projects in 33 countries that foster women's empowerment and prevent gender-based violence by:

• giving medical and legal support to those who have experienced violence and enhancing community capacity to deliver these services 
• providing opportunities for women to become more financially independent - a proven factor in reducing domestic violence 
• preventing violence as part of our emergency response efforts (e.g. placing gender-specific latrines and showers in safe, well-lit areas) 
• working with both men and women to uphold positive attitudes towards women 
• working with local partners, governments and community leaders to support the rights of women and girls 

You can support CARE’s work with women like Agnes by making a donation today.