Italian Campaign for Women’s Rights Inaugurated in Kenya

Nairobi: The second edition of the “Activate Nairobi” campaign, organized by the Nairobi regional office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) together with the Italian Institute of Culture in Nairobi, was inaugurated in Kenya to mark 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The launch event, held at the National Library of Kenya’s “Maktaba Kuu,” presented the “Canvas of Change” exhibition featuring Kenyan emerging and professional artists who celebrated the rights of women and girls digitally or on canvas through their talent and creative gaze.

According to Ansa News Agency, the opening event was attended not only by the deputy head of mission of the Italian Embassy in Kenya, Lorenza Gambacorta, the director of the AICS regional office, Fabio Minniti, and the director of IIC Nairobi, Elena Gallenca, but also by Kenya’s Minister of Equal Opportunity, Culture and Children’s Services, Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, and the representative of UN Women for Kenya, Antonia N’Gabala-Sodonon.

“In the spirit of the 16 days of activism for against gender-based violence and for the promotion of women’s rights, we wanted to transform creativity and talent in support of a clear message to the Kenyan citizenry with this exhibition and all the other activities of artistic expression that will take place during these three weeks,” said Fabio Minniti.

The evening also included the award ceremony for the “Empowering Art: Kenya’s Creative Voices” art competition, which invited local talents to tell, through art, stories and perspectives capable of promoting a culture of respect, equity, and self-determination. The competition launched not surprisingly last March 8, Women’s Day, and in September, an art residency was organized by IIC Nairobi and led by figurative artist Stefania D’Amato. The works will remain on public display at the National Library of Kenya until Dec. 2, offering regular visitors to the space but also to the community a unique opportunity to see the powerful messages the artists wanted to bring for the fight against violence against women and for human rights.