In the heart of Nairobi’s Korogocho settlement, a group of elderly women are taking a stand against rising gender-based violence. Known as "Cucu Jukinge"—Swahili for "Grandma, protect yourself"—these grandmothers train in self-defense, blending traditional resilience with modern empowerment strategies to protect themselves and inspire younger generations.

The initiative, which began nearly 25 years ago, has taken on new urgency as cases of femicide in Kenya surge. According to police figures, at least 97 women were killed in gender-based attacks between August and October of last year. Activists warn that the true numbers may be higher, as many cases go unreported or uninvestigated.

For women in Korogocho, one of Nairobi’s most impoverished settlements, self-defense is more than just an exercise—it is survival. Mary Wainaina, 93, strikes a punching bag, shouting “No! No! No!” before swiftly escaping a mock attack by a fellow trainee. She recalls using these very skills to fend off an assailant years ago.

Beatrice Mungai, 81, recounts a time when a young man attempted to break into her home. “I quickly started kicking him in his private parts three times. He started screaming, asking me not to kill him,” she says. “I told him: I warned you.”

The self-defense training was originally founded by an American couple in response to a wave of attacks against women in the community. Since then, it has become a symbol of resilience, empowering elderly women to reclaim their agency in a society where legal protections often fall short.

Activists highlight deep-rooted challenges, including patriarchal attitudes, economic hardships, and gaps in the legal system. In Kenya, spousal rape is not criminalized, leaving women vulnerable to violence within their own homes. Despite efforts by advocacy groups like End Femicide Kenya, survivors often face indifference from authorities.

The case of professional runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who was set on fire by her estranged boyfriend despite repeatedly reporting threats to the police, underscores the systemic failures. While police claim they are prioritizing femicide cases, their response to recent protests—where officers used teargas on demonstrators—suggests otherwise.

In response to growing public outcry, the government has established a presidential working group tasked with developing strategies to combat femicide within 90 days. However, for the *Cucu Jukinge* women, immediate action remains their priority.

Their classes serve not only as a form of self-protection but also as a cultural statement—an assertion that Kenyan women, regardless of age, will not remain silent in the face of violence. “It's something that scares us, to see young mothers and young women being killed,” says Esther Njeri Muiruri, 82. “But we refuse to live in fear.”

Through their resilience, these grandmothers embody a powerful message: community strength, traditional wisdom, and collective action can challenge the culture of violence and create a safer future for all women in Kenya.