On May 27, 2013 in a Kenyan courthouse, Judge Makau found in favour of the petitioners, 11 girls between the age of 3 and 17, all victims of rape. The court held that the government had failed to protect the girls, in violation of their constitutional and human rights, when police refused to enforce existing rape laws. The lawsuit was the initiative of the 160 Girls project, a joint effort of The Equality Effect, a Canadian charitable organization, and its partner, Ripple International, a non-profit organization in Meru, Kenya.

Hear about the 160 Girls project and The Equality Effect’s other current projects, which are all aimed at making human rights “real” for women and girls in Africa. Learn from our front-line panelists about how Canadian case law provided the impetus behind the legal challenge in Kenya, and the potential impact of this decision for women’s rights throughout Africa.

After the victory in court, the next hurdles are implementation and expansion. Gain an understanding of what is involved in ensuring the legal order is enforced and in raising awareness of this seminal judgment throughout the country.

Our expert panel will share their insights as to the importance of Canadian lawyers taking a leadership role in the development of law and policy, and in the promotion of human rights abroad, as well as what is next for The Equality Effect.

PROGRAM CHAIRS

Jean Franklin Hancher, Barrister and Solicitor (Toronto)
Karen Jensen, Norton Rose Fulbright (Ottawa)
Geri Sanson, SANSON LAW OFFICE Professional Corporation (Toronto)

SPEAKERS

Kim Bernhardt, Arbitrator & Mediator, Chair of the Equality Effect Board of Directors
Anne Ireri, "160 Girls" Kenya National Coordinator
Patricia Nyaundi, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, Chair
Fiona Sampson, Executive Director, Equality Effect