Refugee youth from Kakuma Refugee Camp this week used film to highlight the rights and struggles of displaced women and girls, in an event that formed a key component of Italy’s newly launched Activate Nairobi Campaign.
The campaign is organized by the Embassy of Italy in Kenya, the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC), and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), in solidarity with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
The screening, held at Unseen Nairobi under the banner Voices Without Borders, showcased short documentaries co-created by The Kamp, a collective of young refugee filmmakers, in partnership with Historia Sin Kilómetros.
Critically addressing the 16 Days of Activism theme, one film told the real-life story of a young woman whose identity was stolen and used against her online, drawing direct attention to the rising threat of digital violence facing refugee girls.
Through their raw and participatory style, the films shed light on daily realities of displacement, inequality, and online harm, while also celebrating the resilience and aspirations of refugee women.
A lively discussion followed, bringing together the filmmakers, refugee youth, and development partners to reflect on how storytelling can challenge stereotypes and push women’s rights to the forefront. Many said the films offered a rare chance for audiences to hear directly from refugee girls who are usually invisible in national debates.
The event ran after the official launch of the Activate Nairobi Campaign at the Kenya National Library. The launch featured the Canvas of Change awards, recognising artists using visual art to spark dialogue on women’s rights, and served as a high-level forum where Italy and Kenya reaffirmed cooperation on promoting gender equality and creative expression.
Speakers at the launch, including officials from the Ministry of Gender, UN Women, and the Italian Embassy, warned of the rising toll of gender-based and digital violence, citing alarming statistics and calling for stronger protection systems.
The Canvas of Change winners included young artist Emmanuel Odhiambo, whose ballpoint-pen piece Breaking Silence honours women who stand up against abuse; digital artist Mijide Kemoli, who highlighted online misogyny and femicide; and Mika Obanda, celebrated for artwork inspired by a transgender activist advocating for women’s safety and dignity.
However, it was the films by refugee youth that resonated most strongly, demonstrating how creativity can both expose injustice and spark change, particularly in addressing the new frontier of digital violence.
“Through platforms like this, we aim to celebrate creativity, highlight women’s voices, and inspire action that supports equality and inclusion,” said Ms. Lorenza Gambacorta, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy in Kenya.