Fanis Lisiagali says a BIG THANK YOU to the United Nations Systems in Kenya for recognizing her efforts.

The UN Award was introduced in 2002 as the collective UN family of agencies honour to an individual and/or an institution for succeeding to bring to public notice significant issues related to the Millennium Development Goals which are sustainable and serve as an inspiration to all Kenyans, in keeping with the ideals of the UN. The achievements should have the potential to serve as a model.

The selection of the winner of the “UN Award of the Year” is made after an extensive round of consultations and voting, and through a formal endorsement by Heads of UN Agencies. The award in presented to the winner during a well-publicized event to be held during the UN Day celebrations of 24th October.

On this special Day, Fanis Lisiagali – Executive Director, Healthcare Assistance Kenya (HAK) popularly known as HAK Gender Based Violence (GBV) Helpline 1195, was commended by the United Nations Systems in Kenya for her commitment and efforts in creating a Gender Based Violence (GBV) Rapid response system for survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. This was a great day full of joy for Fanis.

Healthcare Assistance Kenya (The National Gender Based Violence (GBV) Toll Free Helpline) was named The Winner of the Global UN’s Science and Technology Innovations.

In the Year 2021 HAK won the Global recognition from UN’s Science and Technology Innovations for supporting over 6,000 survivors while utilizing its latest technology that provided virtual services to survivors who accessed Gender Based Violence (GBV) services during the most extra-ordinary period of Covid-19 pandemic. The HAK Gender Based Violence (GBV) Rapid Response Call Centre remained operational round the clock to serve the entire nation virtually through its National Gender Based Violence Toll Free Helpline 1195.

Achievements

The prevention of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and protection of Women, Men, Boys, girls, little children, the Elderly and Persons with Disability against Gender Based Violence or Domestic Violence is a collective responsibility. In the year 2014, Fanis Lisiagali was recognized by USAID in Washington DC for her exemplary commitment to supporting survivors. She was recognized as the best Human Rights Defender in the entire African Continent because the well thought ideas that contribute to the elimination of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Kenya. The establishment of a National Gender Based Violence (GBV) Rapid Response Call Centre and the Toll Free Helpline 1195 that is manned 24/7 by a team of Tele-Counselors, and; the creation of a robust Gender Based Violence (GBV) Data collection Information Management System has come in handy to inform Gender Based Violence (GBV) programming and formulation of policies while the toll free number 1195 aids in breaking the silence on Gender Based Violence (GBV) matters by communities. The innovation enhances reporting of Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases, brings perpetrators to notice and prevents all forms of violence.

HAK’s Innovation: The Survivors' Quick Access to Gender Based Violence (GBV) Services during Covid-19 Pandemic in Kenya is an innovation led by Healthcare Assistance Kenya (HAK), which utilizes the latest technology to bring communities together to prevent and respond to Gender Based Violence (GBV). It uses its Toll Free Helpline 1195 to protect women, girls and children against Gender Based Violence (GBV). The helpline brings communities together to respond and prevent Gender Based Violence (GBV) and to support survivors to access real time Gender Based Violence (GBV) services round the clock. HAK assists survivors virtually to access Gender Based Violence (GBV) services on referral basis with an aim of preventing infections such as HIV/AIDS. The HAK innovation provides a platform for survivors to benefit from telephonic services such as Tele-Counseling, coordination and facilitation of rescues and referrals. For this great initiative, Fanis Lisiagali was pronounced the UN’s 2021 Science, Technology Innovations Winner for supporting survivors of Gender Based Violence virtually through the National Gender Based Violence (GBV) Toll Free Helpline 1195 during crises that is manned 24/7..