Call for Expression of Interest from Advocates to Join a Pro Bono Scheme in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Narok and Isiolo Counties of Kenya at Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW)

Background to the Call

Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) that focused on GBV was carried out in 2014 and indicates that women are more likely to experience physical violence committed by their spouse/partner than men. It also shows that sexual violence committed by a spouse/partner is not as prevalent as physical violence. Approximately 38 per cent of ever-married women aged 15-49 have ever experienced physical violence committed by their husband/partner, about 14 percent of women and 4 percent of men have ever experienced sexual violence committed by a spouse/partner, while 10 percent of women and 3 percent of men experienced sexual violence by a spouse/partner in the past 12 months. Overall, 14 per cent of females aged 15-49 years had experienced both physical and sexual violence. A study done by the National Crime Research Centre shows that lifetime prevalence of GBV was 38% for women and 20.9% for men.

At the onset of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic in Kenya the Chief justice noted an increase in sexual offences by 35.8 % while the national GBV hotline 1195 has reported a 75% increase in cases of gender-based violence. Risk factors for Gender based Violence (GBV) are also pronounced for women, girls, young people and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) whether in isolation either at home or in quarantine centers and in communities. Communities are grappling with lack of adequate gender sensitive facilities and protection measures for the most vulnerable. In addition, the overburdening of public services during this period has significantly weakened institutional responses to GBV and amplified barriers that limit women, girls, young persons and PWD’s access critical services addressing GBV.

Description of the intervention.

Under support from the MasterCard Foundation, CREAW is currently implementing a project in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Narok and Isiolo Counties, which seeks to provide rapid response and strengthen resilience of women who are survivors of gender-based violence during the ongoing COVID 19 Pandemic .The aim of this intervention is to  accelerate access to justice for vulnerable women and girls who are survivors of gender-based violence in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Narok and Isiolo Counties of Kenya.

It is in this regard that CREAW is seeking to establish a pro bono advocates network in the 5 counties which will among other things provide free legal aid, legal representation and psychosocial support to female survivors of violence.

Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) of 2014

Terms of reference for Pro Bono Advocates in the scheme.

Advocates who apply and are successfully selected will be expected to;

• Avail themselves for an orientation into the probono lawyers program conducted by CREAW
• Provide free legal advice and legal representation to survivors of SGBV who have been referred to them via CREAW’s social workers and community resource persons.
• Keep accurate and upto date records of all services provided to survivors and avail the necessary reports on services provided when the same is requested.
• Attend quarterly monitoring and feedback meetings with designated CREAW staff who will be in charge of managing the pro bono scheme
• Abide by general code of conduct for advocates as provided by the LSK and maintain good standing with the LSK.

Competencies of the Advocates selected to join the scheme

CREAW will select Advocates to provide the pro bono services on a competitive basis. The selected advocates;

• Must have a valid practicing certificate.
• Must be domiciled and work within the target counties
• Must be in good standing with the LSK and continue to maintain such standing throughout the period they are with the scheme
• Must have at least 3 years’ experience in active practice on family law matters.
• A sound understanding of women’s rights and gender equality.
• Demonstrate ability to apply solutions to complex problems that may arise within their service in the scheme.
• Good leadership, communication, interpersonal and conflict management skills;
• Possess report writing skills. 

CREAW’s obligations under the scheme

CREAW’s obligations will be as follows

• To manage the scheme according to set guidelines agreed upon with the pro bono advocates
• To conduct quarterly monitoring and reflection sessions with the pro bono advocates.
• To ensure pro bono advocates have a clear understanding of deliverables under the scheme.
• To pay an agreed upon flat fee per file which will cater for advocates disbursements and transport costs while providing services to survivor of SGBV.
• At all times to act in good faith