Olepolos Social Justice Center

Olepolos Social Justice Center (OSJC) is a community-based organisation and a human rights group under the umbrella of the Social Justice Movement in Kenya. The  Social Justice Movement advocates for social justice and fights against any form of human rights violations through influencing change in public attitudes, policies and laws to create an inclusive and socially just society.  Guided by its vision of “a just community for all”, the Social Justice Movement is led by the Social Justice Centers Working Group which provides the overall strategic leadership and direction. However each Social Justice Center is organic and  semi-autonomous.

The Olepolos Social Justice Center is based in Oloolua Ward, Kajiado North sub-county of Kajiado County. It was established in the year 2020 and launched in 2022. It is overall  goal is to promote community empowerment through education and public participation in issues that affect them. OSJC also works towards promoting human rights and eradication of harmful traditional practices such as early marriages, FGM, GBV and any other human rights violations in Kajiado County. OSJC does all these by organizing and educating  in order for them exercise their civic responsibilities and liberate themselves from injustices and vices that hold them back or work against their economic and social well-being and progress.

Community Engagement

As a community driven initiative we have been interacting with the community members through community dialogues in various parts of Kajiado County. The aim is to enhance community awareness and understanding of the challenges and the social injustices they go through in their day to day life and find community-drive solutions.  Such engagement also create a good platform for human rights defenders to offer civic education, mentorship and also to empower community members on matters human rights and social justice. , access to justice, prevention and to speak out against social injustices in their communities.

Center Stewardship

1. Ibrahim Ombati – Convener, Olepolos Social Justice Center & Co-ordinator of the Kajiado SJM Chapter.
2. Obala Hellen – Co-Convener, Olepolos Social Justice Center.

Committee Leads

1. Michael Ombewa – Committee Lead, Article 43 Kajiado Chapter.
2. Jane Lemoya Njuguna – Committee Lead, Olepolos Social Justice Center GBV Committee.

Achievements

The following are the main achievements of OSCJ todate;

1. Formed committees to provide structured and focussed attention to the following key issues Article 43, anti-GBV campaign and members wellness
2. Established the GBV desk in our center to support victims of GBV and to document and report GBV cases within the community.
3. Community recognition and support
4. Social Media visibility

Challenges

The Center has been confronted by some challenges in its work. Key among these are the following; 

1. Slow response of some community members to join in the struggle due to fear and intimidation. 
2. Growing membership with no strong database 
3. Capacity gaps due to inadequate training of the young Cadres on social movement and political education.