Gender Equity/GBV Evidence Accelerator Cohort Convening in Nairobi, Kenya

The Johns Hopkins University Center for Global Women’s Health & Gender Equity (CGWHGE) recently hosted an impactful four-day workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, convening global scholars participating in the Gender Equity/GBV (GE/GBV) Evidence Accelerator Program. This cohort-based initiative—one of the Center’s flagship programs—aims to build in-country expertise and leadership to advance gender equity and prevent gender-based violence (GBV) through evidence-based research and implementation.

Led by expert faculty mentors from Johns Hopkins, the Nairobi convening delivered intensive training, mentorship, and knowledge exchange. Scholars refined early findings, strengthened their research methodologies, and developed dissemination and implementation plans tailored to their local contexts. 

A Global Cohort of Change-Makers

This year's cohort comprises 10 exceptional women—practitioners, professionals, and scholars—from diverse regions around the world. Their work spans a range of critical topics, including:

• Alcohol use and childhood trauma among men and non-partner sexual violence in Mongolia
• Reproductive coercion and intimate partner violence (IPV) among married women in Bhutan
• Femicide and perpetrator/victim relationship in Kenya ​
• GBV survivors’ care-seeking during wartime
• Strategies to eliminate FGM/C in South Asia 

Each participant is working toward a final brief and strategic knowledge translation plan aimed at making a measurable impact in their local communities.

Building Community in Nairobi

Given the Center’s longstanding partnerships across Kenya, the convening also featured a welcome reception for Nairobi-based colleagues, including alumni from the inaugural cohort. This event provided a valuable opportunity to build community, foster collaboration, and introduce the new cohort to the Center’s growing global network.

What’s Next?

Over the coming months, scholars will continue to work closely with their JHU faculty mentors to further develop their research. In Spring 2026, the Center will host a webinar series to highlight and disseminate their findings to regional and global audiences.

Stay connected with the Center for updates—and to follow how these global scholars are advancing gender equity and GBV prevention in their communities and beyond.