Beyond The Bars Africa Conference

05/01/2024

The overrepresentation of women serving sentences for minor offenses in Kenya is a concerning issue that sheds light on various social, economic, and gender-related challenges facing women in the country.

The criminalization of activities such as hawking, selling after hours, selling outside designated areas, or selling without a license affects women, particularly those from marginalized communities. Poverty often drives women to engage in informal economic activities as a means of survival.

Many of these women are also victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The relationship between poverty and gender-based violence worsens the vulnerability of women, trapping them in a cycle of abuse, poverty, and criminalization.

By embracing alternative sentencing options as a way of decongesting prisons and addressing the root causes of nonviolent offenses, Kenya can improve the living conditions of inmates, uphold human rights, and foster a more efficient and just criminal justice system.

Teresa Njoroge ReneesenseKe Maxwell Gichuhi

02/01/2024

Dr. Patricia Murugami, the Chairperson of CLEAN START Africa Board of Directors talks about how opportunities for a fresh start may present themselves externally, but the true origin really takes place within oneself.

Recognizing that individuals can transform their lives; it is essential to afford formerly imprisoned women the opportunity for a second chance. By offering support, access to education, and economic opportunities, we can break the cycle of recidivism and empower these women to rebuild their lives.



Teresa Njoroge Maxwell Kihara

23/12/2023

22/12/2023

Judy Clark delivers a narrative spanning an impressive 37 years behind bars in New York, offering a compelling account of her journey.

Her story serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to transcend adversity, and her dedication to fostering positive change exemplifies the transformative potential within us all.

We were honored to have her as a distinguished guest at the BTB Conference 2023.

KTN News Kenya

21/12/2023

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Dr. Moka Lantum for his invaluable contribution to the Beyond the Bars Africa Conference 2023.

Dr. Lantum's generosity in offering free medical check-ups for our delegates through Checkups Medical Hub, a customer-obsessed tech-enabled healthcare service operating in Kenya and South Sudan, was both thoughtful and impactful. The provision of accessible healthcare services is crucial, and Dr. Lantum's commitment to this cause greatly enriched the conference experience for all participants.

Thank you, Dr. Moka Lantum, for your dedication to healthcare accessibility and for sharing your expertise with us at the conference.

https://www.checkupsmed.com/

21/12/2023

The funding landscape for African-owned and run enterprises is common with systemic injustices that impede their progress and potential for impact. These enterprises, often driven by meaningful missions, face formidable challenges in accessing financial support.

The disparity in funding opportunities creates a significant hurdle, hindering these organizations from realizing their full potential, accomplishing their mandates, and scaling up their initiatives. The difficulty in securing adequate funding not only limits the scope of their operations but also perpetuates an unjust cycle that hampers their ability to address pressing issues and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Addressing these funding inequities is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and empowering environment for African enterprises to thrive and make a lasting impact.

The Skoll Foundation

20/12/2023

We extend our sincere gratitude to Hon. Lady Justice Lilian Mutende, the esteemed Chairperson of the Community Service Orders Program, for gracing the Beyond the Bars Africa Conference with her profound keynote address.

Her dedication to advocating for reforms in the criminal justice system is both commendable and inspiring. Hon. Lady Justice Mutende's commitment to rehabilitation, reintegration, and the pursuit of a justice system aligned with contemporary ideals of fairness and compassion was evident in every word she shared. Her insightful perspectives shed light on crucial aspects of criminal justice, sparking thoughtful conversations and encouraging a collective vision for positive change.

We are honored to have had such a distinguished figure contribute to our conference, and we deeply appreciate Hon. Lady Justice Lilian Mutende's ongoing efforts to shape a more equitable and compassionate legal landscape.

20/12/2023

Ngonyo, after spending 23 years behind bars, is filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety as she anticipates her freedom. The prospect of stepping outside the confines of incarceration is undeniably thrilling, yet it's shadowed by the uncertainty of what awaits her during the process of reintegration.

Like many women in Kenya who have left prison, Ngonyo grapples with the fear of potential stigmatization. The daunting question of whether society will embrace her with understanding and empathy looms large.

As she takes tentative steps with the help of CLEAN START AFRICA toward a new chapter of her life, Ngonyo yearns for a supportive environment that recognizes the journey she has undertaken and provides a chance for genuine reintegration into the community.

At Beyond the Bars Africa Conference, we take pride in leading the efforts to ensure her seamless reintegration into society.

The Skoll Foundation

19/12/2023

The entire Beyond the Bars Africa Conference team expresses sincere appreciation to Lolo Madikgetla - the visionary founder of UNGWA Africa - for graciously accepting our invitation to speak at the Beyond the Bars Africa Conference 2023.

Lolo, your commitment to co-creating and curating meaningful impact for women and youth is truly inspiring, and we were honored to have you share your insights.

Learning that "Ungwa" in Tswana means to be fruitful, to grow, and to multiply, adds a profound layer to the significance of your work.

Your explanation of LOVE...
L - Learning, unLearning and reLearning
O-Opening oneself up to new Opportunities,
V - being Virtuous, Visible and Visionary women
E - Expecting the Extraordinary..resonates deeply with our mission and vision.

Thank you for imparting such valuable wisdom and contributing to the collective growth and empowerment that we aim to foster at Beyond the Bars Africa Conference.

19/12/2023

It's truly heartbreaking to acknowledge that a staggering 81% of women who have navigated the challenging terrain of the criminal justice system did so without any legal representation.

As our convenor and CEO Teresa Njoroge rightfully puts, these aren't just numbers; they represent real lives, each with a unique story, a unique struggle. Behind this statistic lies a profound injustice, a stark reminder of the uphill battle faced by so many women.

Let us join forces to ensure that every individual, irrespective of their circumstances, is granted the access to legal representation that they inherently deserve. This is a resounding call to action, and as advocates at Beyond the Bars Africa Conference, we implore everyone to tirelessly champion a legal landscape that is both equitable and compassionate.

The Skoll Foundation