Nyando Social Justice Center marked the 16 Days of Activism and International Human Rights Day with a powerful focus on the rights and dignity of older persons in Katolo. The activities took place on 9th and 10th December at Visitation of Mercy Sisters, bringing elders together to learn, share, and organize for their own protection and wellbeing.
Honouring Human Rights Day with Older Persons
10th December is International Human Rights Day, and it also marks the close of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which begins each year on 25th November. This year, Nyando Social Justice Center chose to shine a spotlight on older persons, who are often forgotten in human rights conversations despite facing neglect, abuse, discrimination, and exclusion.
With generous support from Ethel Foundation, we trained 25 older persons from Katolo and surrounding areas on their fundamental rights. The training covered access to care and support, freedom from abuse and exploitation, participation in community decisions, and the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Participants also learned how to identify rights violations and where they can seek help or report cases.
Building Elders’ Voice and Collective Power
Beyond awareness, the sessions focused on empowering older persons to become advocates for themselves and their peers. Through participatory discussions and practical exercises, the 25 participants were equipped with basic advocacy skills, including how to speak up in public forums, how to engage local leaders, and how to support fellow elders experiencing violations.
As a key outcome, Nyando Social Justice Center facilitated the formation of an Elders Support Group, composed of the 25 trained Elders Champions. This group will serve as:
- A safe space for older persons to share experiences and challenges
- A platform for collective advocacy on issues affecting elders
- A community-based structure to monitor, document, and respond to cases of neglect, abuse, and discrimination
The new Elders Champions will continue spreading awareness within their villages, helping their peers understand that aging does not remove their rights.
Part of Our 16 Days of Activism Journey
The Katolo activities are among several build-up events Nyando Social Justice Center holds during the 16 Days of Activism each year. While 25th November to 10th December is a global campaign window, for our communities it is also a period of intensified grassroots action: creating awareness, building local structures, and amplifying the voices of those most at risk of violence and exclusion.
By closing the 16 Days of Activism in the company of older persons, Nyando Social Justice Center reaffirmed a simple truth: human rights belong to everyone, at every age. Our commitment is to ensure that elders in Nyando are seen, heard, respected, and fully included in community life.
Nyando Social Justice Center will continue working with partners like Ethel Foundation, faith-based institutions, and local leaders to strengthen protection systems for older persons and promote a culture of care and dignity for all.