Accelerate is a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) program funded by DANIDA and implemented in a consortium led by Population Services Kenya (PS KENYA) in partnership with Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) and Population Services International (PSI). The program will contribute towards ICPD25 Promise of zero unmet need for contraception, zero preventable maternal deaths and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices hence working towards the three zeros. Accelerate seeks to build on the milestones that Kenya has achieved towards the realization of true universal access to quality sexual and reproductive health services (SRHR), prevention and management of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and reduction in Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs). The program will focus on 13 underserved, hard-to-reach Counties of West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Homabay, Kajiado, Kwale, Nairobi, Samburu, Garissa, Mandera, Marsabit, Baringo, Kilifi and Narok. These counties share common challenges mentioned above.
Accelerate Objective and Theory of Change
The Goal of Accelerate-working towards the three zeros is contribute to the reduction in maternal mortality and morbidity, reduce the unmet need for SRHR (including FP) and decrease prevalence of Gender Based Violence (including HTPs). The objective of accelerate is to:
a) Increase access and utilization of comprehensive, inclusive and integrated SRHR/ MCH services
b) Increase access and utilization of comprehensive, inclusive and integrated GBV response and prevention services
c) Strengthen respect for human rights.
The Theory of Change rests on assumption that ultimately, the effort to strengthen women and girls’ human rights, reduce GBV and improve SRHR are linked to prevailing discriminatory socio-cultural norms, attitudes, and beliefs. While legislative and policy reforms have established a basis for gender equality across all sectors, gaps still exist in addressing negative sexual and gender norms at the individual, institutional and societal level to facilitate sustainable and transformatory gender equality changes across Kenya. The underlying assumption is that these socio-cultural norms, attitudes, behavior, and beliefs will be amenable to change once individuals have been exposed to the program interventions that aim at increasing knowledge on human rights, promoting gender quality & prevention of GBV and engaging men and boys to shape their attitudes towards gender equality and foster greater respect for girls and women’s rights.
Outcomes: To accomplish this goal, Accelerate will focus on three outcomes: 1) Increased access and utilization of quality, comprehensive, integrated, equitable and inclusive SRHR/ MCH services for the project’s target audience 2)Increased access and uptake of comprehensive, quality, multi-disciplinary, efficient, equitable, inclusive gender-based violence response and prevention services for GBV survivors; 3)Strengthened respect for human rights to prevent and respond to SGBV including addressing domestic violence, sexual harassment and HTPs 4) Improved knowledge, attitudes, gender & socio-cultural norms and behaviors on Human Rights (women & girls rights)
Outputs: The following outputs will contribute to the outcomes outlined above: 1) Greater availability and access to quality, comprehensive, integrated and inclusive SRHR / MCH services 2: Increased access to quality, multi-disciplinary, efficient, inclusive and user-friendly SGBV response & prevention services; 3: Increased demand for SRHR/ MCH and GBV services; 4: Improved knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, gender and socio-cultural norms on Human Rights; 5: Strengthened national/ county government accountability, capacity, leadership, stewardship and ownership.
Target Groups: Adolescent /youth (girls): Accelerate will target this group so that they have an opportunity to plan their lives without the risk of unplanned pregnancies, GBV and HTPs that infringe on their rights and dignity; Women and girl survivors of GBV; Accelerate will increase their awareness and remove physical, socio-cultural and economic barriers to reporting abuse and accessing services. Boys and men will be engaged to shape their attitudes towards gender equality and to play a bigger role in protecting women and girls’ rights; Poor women, marginalized groups (including LGBT+ & PWDs) and those living in hard-to-reach (including rural) areas who are often left behind in many SRHR and GBV programs.
Link to SDGs: Accelerate will contribute to SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 10 (reduced inequalities), and SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions).
