Defenders of women’s rights and gender equality

Case study: The strength of collective support in Kenya

In Kilifi County, Kenya, Patricia Loko Mutua stands as a symbol of resilience. A survivor herself, Patricia channels her experience into grassroots activism—supporting women and girls, advancing sustainable livelihoods and challenging harmful gender norms.

In 2024 Patricia played a key role in securing a landmark ten-year prison sentence in a case involving the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl. In a country where impunity for sexual violence is widespread, the sentence marked a rare and powerful victory—creating a judicial precedent, hope and momentum. Patricia ensured the survivor in the case received counselling, safe shelter and protection from media exposure, while personally guiding the family through the justice system.

Patricia is a member of a PBI network that connects and strengthens Kenyan women defenders, launched in 2016. Grassroots activists were already doing vital work to combat violence against women and girls, but were often isolated, facing attacks, under-resourced and unsupported. The network created a trusted space for solidarity, peer learning and collective action—enabling women defenders to share strategies, create community-based support systems, build their capacity, manage security risks, document threats and seek redress for violations.

What began with 15 women in Nairobi has now expanded to Kilifi County and beyond, growing into a powerful movement of local trainers and leaders who are driving change from the ground up. Through this network, defenders like Patricia—whose work with various groups has rescued many women from sexual violence and child marriage—have gained contacts, skills, credibility and the strength of collective support.