The Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) is a national Kenyan not-for-profit women’s rights organization. They are committed to advancing women’s rights; and work towards achieving a society free from all forms of Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG). The organisation was founded in 1995 as a response to the silence of the Kenyan society to addressing VAWG.
The origin of COVAW is traced to a workshop by Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), which identified two critical areas that no actor was addressing, which were VAWG and the limited number of women in key leadership positions. The workshop underscored the need to form a coalition that would address these problems, thus the establishment of COVAW. Since its inception, they have focused on the maxim of ‘breaking the silence on VAWG’. They have succeeded in moving the issue of VAWG from the private to the public domain, positioning it as a crime and a human rights violation.
MISSION
COVAW exists to champion the rights of women and girls to be free from all forms of violations.
VISION
A society where women and girls enjoy equal rights, freedoms and thrive in safe spaces.
CORE VALUES
Integrity: COVAW is committed to the highest forms of accountability and honesty
Dignity: COVAW believes in freedom of choice and autonomy regarding bodily integrity
Courage: COVAW stands for what is right and just and takes intentional bold steps in unchartered paths to effect change for women and girls
Solidarity: COVAW is inspired by the principles of diversity, equity and equality, and empathises with, and supports women and girls to access social justice and human dignity
Commitment: COVAW is passionate about working for the safety and the wellbeing of women and girls. COVAW has a pledge to fulfil its promises
