Activate Nairobi
Within the annual international campaign of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the Italian Institute of Culture (IIC) in Nairobi, with the Embassy of Italy in Kenya, are launching the ‘Activate Nairobi’ campaign: culture, debates and events to advance the conversation on gender-based violence and women empowerment in Kenya.
Activate Nairobi: Events program
1. Canvas of Change: An Exhibition to Celebrate Women’s & Girls’ Rights
Date: 21.11.2025
Location: National Library of Kenya
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The event is by invitation only.
AICS Nairobi, the Italian Cultural Institute Nairobi and the Embassy of Italy will host a launch event for the campaign Activate Nairobi. The event will include also the award ceremony for the art competition “Empowering Art: Kenya’s creative voices” – a call to Kenyan artists to use their creative expression to advance women’s rights. The artworks will be on display for public viewing at the National Library of Kenya until December 2nd!
2. Voices Without Borders – Short Documentary Screening
Date: 26.11.2025
Location: Unseen Nairobi
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Limited seats available – register here.
Join us on a visual journey into the lives of women, told through short movies. The first part of the journey will bring us to Kakuma, one of Kenya’s largest refugee camps. Through the eyes of a young Sudanese collective, The Kamp, we will gain insight into the daily realities and challenges faced by women living in the camp. The second, will connect us toItaly, where stories of women’s strength and self-expression reveal how art and storytelling echo across borders, bridge cultures and inspire change.
3. Elements – A Theatrical Piece by Wakio Mzenge
Date: 30.11.2025
Location: Macmillan Memorial Library
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Limited seats available – register here.
Written by John Sibi-Okumu and starring multi-award-winning actress Wakio Mzenge, Elements is a ground-breaking solo theatrical piece that explores a woman’s confrontation with the traumas that have shaped her life. In this powerful piece,one woman brings to life 12 different characters on stage. Don’t miss it!
4. Stage the Change: Celebrating Women & Girls in Narok South
Date: 28.11.2025
Location: Enkare Nairowua Primary School, Narok South
Time: 8.30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Promoted by the Italian NGO We World – GVC, this event will take place in Narok South, engaging students, their parents, guardians and the local community. Starting with a march for women’s and girls’ rights, the day will come alive with a powerful theatre performance, songs and film screening, celebrating gender equity, along with engaging activities designed to spark meaningful conversations and inspire change.
5. Dancing Words
Date: 29.11.2025
Location: Sarakasi Dome
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Limited seats available – register here.
Taa Arts Organization is a community-based organization committed to empowering young people through skills development in the performing arts. The organization will present a one-hour dance performance, interspersed with selected readings of Italian and Kenyan texts/poems curated by the Italian Cultural Institute, focusing on the themes of women’s empowerment and gender-based violence.
6. Theatre for Justice: From the Ground Up!
Date: 02.12.2025
Location: Comboni Primary School, Korogocho
Time: 8:30 a.m.
This event is reserved for Comboni Primary School Students.
Gender equity and the elimination of gender-based violence must include young voices and perspectives. The Social Justice Travelling Theatre will perform a powerful performance that speaks directly to students, tackling gender issues close to their daily lives and inspiring change from the ground up.
7. Run for Human Rights
Date: 10.12.2025
Location: Il Polei, Laikipia County
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This event brings together all of the Italian civil society actors in Kenya. Promoted by COIKE – the Coordination of Italian NGOs in Kenya, with the logistical support by IPSIA, the event foresees a community walk/run, followed by a panel discussion with activists and representatives of civil society to explore the linkages between gender-based violence and access to land in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Are you ready to run for women and human rights?