Celebrating Bold Steps at International Women’s Day

This year’s International Women’s Day was more than just a celebration for us at Women Working with Women (3W)—it was a pivotal moment in our ongoing journey to normalize and integrate conversations around safe abortion within broader discussions on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

Community Work

Held in collaboration with the Kisumu County Gender Sector Working Group, our IWD 2025 event at Sianda Chief’s Camp brought together over 200 community members across generations. Under the theme #AccelerateAction, the gathering featured local cultural performances, thematic dialogues, and open discussions that created space to address tough but necessary topics like abortion stigma, bodily autonomy, and the lived realities of queer individuals affected by reproductive injustices.

For the first time, 3W successfully mainstreamed safe abortion into this high-profile community event, bridging long-standing gaps between GBV awareness and access to accurate SRHR information. Through real-time engagement, we gathered valuable insights into community attitudes, misconceptions, and the deep-rooted stigma surrounding abortion. These reflections are shaping our future strategies by highlighting where and how to shift narratives, ensuring our messages are both factual and empathetic.

The day also served as a powerful reflection point. Our team’s training in harm reduction and the integration of lived experience-informed storytelling allowed us to engage with audiences more meaningfully and sensitively. These moments reinforced our belief that community-centred, rights-based education is essential for dismantling harmful myths and promoting reproductive justice.

Gender Equality Award

Visibility and awareness creation on advancing reproductive rights in Kisumu County led to the organisation being recognised through a gender equality award by ForumCiv during the International Women’s Day Celebration. This recognition is especially significant in light of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. A landmark global framework adopted in 1995 that champions women’s rights to make decisions about their bodies, including access to contraception and safe abortion services. The award underscores our shared vision of a society where every person, regardless of gender or identity, can access comprehensive reproductive healthcare without stigma or fear.

As we mark this important milestone, we remain committed to amplifying the voices of lesbian, bisexual, queer, and gender-diverse individuals in Kisumu County. Together, we’re not just celebrating women—we’re transforming narratives, shifting power, and pushing for systemic change.

Stay connected with us as we continue advocating for gender equality, SRHR, and safe spaces where reproductive rights are recognised, respected, and upheld.