Photos: African Renaissance and Diaspora Network
Kilifi County, Kenya, 9 Oct 2023–ARDN, under the leadership of Sharon OKubo, its Global Champion and Kilifi County came together in a remarkable display of unity a on Friday evening, October 6th,2023, and successfully launched the ARDN Red Card Campaign’s fashion show.
The event, which proved to be a full house at the 7 Islands Resort in Watamu and was met with overwhelming support and enthusiasm and achieved its mission of amplifying awareness about gender-based violence and showcasing the talents and strength of survivors.
The launch was graced by the presence of Governor Gideon Mung’aro and First Lady Susanne Mung’aro.
“I’m very happy to note that Kilifi is the first of the 47 Counties in Kenya to launch the ARDN Red Card Campaign through the fashion show, thereby reaffirming the unwavering commitment of Governor Gideon Mung’aro to eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls in the communities,” said Dr. Djibril Diallo, President and CEO Of ARDN.
Kilifi County, which has faced long-standing challenges related to gender-based violence and teen pregnancies, has witnessed a substantial transformation. Under the visionary leadership of the Governor of Kilifi, significant progress has been made in reducing these issues.
Today, the rate of gender-based violence stands at 13%, down from a concerning 30% in 2019, illustrating the county’s dedication to combating this problem.
The fashion show achieved its three core goals :
1. **Increase Awareness:** The event effectively shone a spotlight on the critical issue of gender-based
violence.
2. **Private Sector Support : ** The fashion show successfully engaged the fashion industry and garnered the support of a network of private sector allies committed to fighting gender-based violence.
3. **Empower Survivors:** Survivors were given a powerful platform to showcase their talents and skills, boosting their confidence and sense of empowerment.
The Red Card Campaign will be accelerated for 12 months, in close consultation with all partners, during which other components of the ARDN initiative to popularize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa and the Diaspora will be implemented , notably
—- mobilization of the youth of Kilifi and their counterparts in the Diaspora of the USA.
—fostering sister-City agreements between American Mayors and Kilifi County to strengthen the financing of economic and community development projects among the municipalities.
—-Fostering partnerships between Presidents of 100 American Universities and institutions of higher learning in Kilifi County to strengthen and facilitate knowledge exchanges
—-Promoting investment through ARDN‘s existing partnerships with the Export-Impo
——putting together and rolling out a media and communications strategy to project to the international community the success stories in the economic and social areas in Kilifi County, in partnership with the National Association of Black American Journalists (NABJ ), an organization with 4000 members in the mainstream media across the United States of America.
“The launch of the ARDN Red Card Campaign last Friday was not just an event. It was a reminder that, individually and collectively, we can bring about zero tolerance to Gender-based violence in Kilifi County county and beyond,” added Dr. Diallo.
About ARDN Red Card Campaign
The ARDN Red Card Campaign is a global initiative dedicated to eradicating gender-based violence and discrimination against women and girls.
About Kilifi County Government
Kilifi County Government is committed to enhancing the well-being of its residents through various initiatives and programs, including efforts to reduce gender-based violence and promote gender equality.
