The Italian Embassy in Kenya, the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC), and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) on Wednesday hosted the launch event of the Activate Nairobi Campaign, featuring the Awards Ceremony for the Canvas of Change: An Exhibition to Celebrate Women’s and Girls’ Rights art competition.
The event took place at Sanaa Hall, Kenya National Library Services, Nairobi, and was presided over by Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services.
Attendees included Pedro Leon Cortes Ruiz, Ambassador of Colombia; Romy Tincopa, Ambassador of Peru; Lorenza Gambacorta, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy; Antonia Sodonon, UN Women Country Representative; Elena Gallenca, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Nairobi; and Fabio Minniti, Head of Office, AICS Nairobi.
“The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services is mandated to advance gender equality, protect women and children, safeguard cultural expression, and promote the creative sector as a driver of social justice and national development. Over the past year, we have intensified efforts to strengthen the national protection system and improve community reporting mechanisms. We thank the Italian Cultural Institute, the Government of Italy, and all partners for their continued support,” said CS Cheptumo.
The launch marks a meaningful moment in elevating women’s and girls’ rights, gender equality, and artistic expression as engines of social transformation. The event brought together institutional partners, artists, civil society, and the media to celebrate creativity and deepen dialogue on empowerment.
Sodonon of UN Women highlighted, “Here in Kenya, 34% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, and 30% have faced sexual violence. Yet nearly 40% of survivors never receive any form of help. Gender-based violence costs Kenya an estimated KES 46 billion every year. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives interrupted, futures stolen, and communities held back.”
The launch forms part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The 2025 theme is End digital violence against all women and girls.
From 25 November to 10 December every year, the 16 Days of Activism unite governments, civil society, youth, and communities worldwide in calling for an end to violence against women and girls.
Activate Nairobi aligns its exhibitions, public discussions, and outreach programmes to amplify calls for prevention, protection, and justice, including efforts to address digital violence targeting women and girls.
“This exhibition is one of several activities leading up to International Women’s Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Through platforms like this, we aim to celebrate creativity, highlight women’s voices, and inspire action that supports equality and inclusion,” remarked Gambacorta, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy in Kenya.
Among this year’s standout honourees was Emmanuel Odhiambo, the winner in the Young Traditional Artists category.
A 24-year-old self-taught ballpoint-pen artist and fifth-year architecture student at the University of Nairobi, Emmanuel has been drawing since childhood.
His winning piece, Breaking Silence, powerfully reflects the fight against gender-based violence and honours the resilience of women and mothers across communities.
For Emmanuel, the award validates his artistic journey and strengthens his voice as an advocate for women’s rights.
In the Professional categories, Mijide Kemoli won 1st Place in Digital Art with a compelling visual summary of GBV and femicide statistics paired with real social media comments to challenge harmful societal attitudes.
Mika Obanda, winner in the Professional Traditional Category, was celebrated for You Deserve to Shine, an artwork inspired by a transgender women’s rights activist who uses her platform to educate and empower.
Mika’s piece highlights the courage, authenticity, and leadership of women who bring light to their communities.
For both artists, the recognition affirms the role of creativity in raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and driving social change.
“We cannot expect the next generation to do better unless we lead by example. We must keep learning, challenging outdated norms, listening to survivors, and standing firmly against all forms of violence. Gender-based violence is not a women’s issue; it is a human imperative. Addressing it requires the full engagement of men and boys as allies and agents of change, beginning with the example each of us sets,” emphasised Minniti, Head of Office, AICS Nairobi.
