Justice Watchers

Welcome to the the 3rd episode,Season 2 of the Justice Watchers Podcast. In this episode, we feature Masafu Okwara, a human rights advocate at the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC). Masafu takes us through her work championing the rights of the sexual minorities. .Okwara's personal experiences and commitment highlight the resilience it takes to fight for human rights in cha...

Dr. Njoki Wamai showcases her journey into human rights workand the education sector as a potent catalyst for change. As an Assistant Professor of International Relations specializing in transitional justice and human rights, she exemplifies how academia can move beyond classrooms to address social ills. Dr. Wamai articulates how education fosters critical thinking and equips individuals to combat...

In this premiere, we feature Njeri Mwangi, a Woman Human Rights Defender, journalist, and the Executive Director of PAWA 254. Njeri takes us through her human rights journey and shares what it truly means to balance her public presence with personal life and mental health. Known for her bold voice and commitment to women’s and youth empowerment, she offers honest reflections on leadership, courage...

Today, we highlight the personal story of human rights defender Julius Kamau across Kenya, discussing his challenges, victories, and impact of his work on the community.

Today, we delve into the power of community mobilization—what it looks like on the ground and how it impacts the daily lives of ordinary people. Our guest is Anami "Toure" Daudi, a community organizer, human rights defender, and Co-Founder of Mukuru Community Justice Centre. Toure has been a driving force behind grassroots activism. Today, we’ll explore his journey, his impact, and the state of hu...

In today’s episode, Marvlyn Mbugua, a Mental Health Professional and advocate for the well-being of human rights defenders delves into the importance of prioritizing our mental health especially for Human rights defenders who work in a challenging environment marked by threats, harassment and surveillance. Many face intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and digital attacks, often for speaking out again...

Today’s episode explores a powerful and often underappreciated tool in human rights advocacy: art and culture . Throughout history, art in its many forms—music, literature, visual art, and performance—has been a beacon of truth, a call to action, and a platform for voices that often go unheard. But how does art intersect with human rights, and how can creative expression challenge systems of oppre...

In this episode of Justice Watchers, we speak with Phelister Abdalla, National Coordinator of Kenya Sex Workers Alliance and the End Femicide Movement about the challenges sex workers face, the fight for their rights, their dignity and feminist movement organizing

In this powerful episode of Justice Watchers, we sit down with Sankara Nyagaya, an Environmental Human Rights Defender (HRD), to discuss the urgent need for inclusive climate action in Kenya. We explore how the Voices for Climate Action initiative is amplifying the voices of indigenous communities in Northern Kenya, particularly through the work of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs). These front...

In our first episode, join us as we talk with Njoki Gachanja, the coordinator of Githurai Social Justice Centre, a true champion for human rights in Kenya. From tackling police brutality to empowering marginalized communities, she shares what inspired his path and how his work fuels Kenya’s human rights movement. Hear about her approach to justice, grassroots movements' unique challenges, and her...

The society has turned against us. We are the only ones who can defend ourselves. I have had to up-skill myself so as to do my human rights activism more efficiently.

Founder of NEST, Silvana Lesuuda takes us through her change making journey of how she founded her organisation which mainly focuses on bridging the gap in menstrual health management in Samburu county.

Tobista Osundwa, a WHRD in the Ni mama network tells us more about how the network has been a hub for empowerment and partnership at the grass root level.

Human rights activism is more effective when human rights defenders seek allies and create networks. My own activism has been made effective through allies.

Get Ready for this new and extraordinary podcast featuring Rose Resiato, a Woman Human Rights Defenders from Kajiado County, Kenya. Resiato exemplifies the impact of grassroot HRDs from marginalised communities when given a platform and opportunities to instigate vital transformations. Her work can be summarized into ''Women's participation in development cannot be limited to last minute involveme...

For Minoo Kyaa, an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Together with other community mobilizers, Minoo has joined hands to petition the government of Kenya to address the runaway cost of living in Kenya. In this episode, Minoo highlights the circumstances and impact of the unlawful arrest between her and three others. “We were arrested for absolutely breaking no law and there we...

Listen to the latest Justice Watchers Podcast where we feature a teacher, mother and woman human rights defender Ms. Euphresher Ageyo from Vihiga County. She elaborates the impact of our flagship project - The NiMAMA Network in Vihiga. The Nimama network is deliberate campaign by the Defenders Coalition in partnership with the Norwegian embassy aimed at recognising the contribution of Women Human...

The story of a WHRD from Mandera county overcoming cultural barriers for young girls and women in her community.

Have the police ever arbitrarily arrested you for wearing your beautiful African hair in the form of dreadlocks? Are negative perceptions about dreadlocks exposing human rights defenders to heightened risks? Listen to the story of Davis Tafari- an activist, photographer and art director- a victim of arbitrary arrest on a number of occasions. Tafari tells us that from his standpoint, there is a hig...

This episode explores strategies and interventions for the safe navigation and use of technology in digital spaces.

This is a candid conversation with revolutionary women and girls' rights advocate. Editar shares first hand experiences having survived gender-based Violence in one of Kenya's largest informal settlements. She tells a story of resilience, determination, and relentlessness against perpetrators and harmful vices that rob young girls and women of their bright future. Her story of triumph can be found...

Passion driven action like art, innovation and creativity can enhance our economic safety, freedom and independence.

This is the first episode of the Justice Watchers Podcast. We take a minute to catch up with the Executive Director of Defenders Coalition, who tells us personal tales in the struggle against the injustices by the Moi regime in the 1990s. He goes further to give us a brief history of how the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Kenya was founded.