Jennifer Mwethya Muema currently serves as a Corrections Advisor at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). She also serves as the Deputy Treasurer at Women in Safety Excellence (WISE), an association with a global network of female safety and security professionals. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and is pursuing a Master's degree in Public Policy and Administration, which have honed her ability to analyze, present, and effectively communicate intricate and sensitive issues pertaining to prisons, security and safety.  Jennifer previously served as Senior Prisons Officer, Public Relations Officer, and Personal Assistant to the Commissioner General of Prisons. Those positions afforded her invaluable insights into the complexities of the correctional services landscape and enhanced her ability to navigate multifaceted challenges and drive positive change within the sector. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Breaking the Silence: Empowering Young Women Against Femicide and Gender-Based Violence 

The project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the pervasive issue of femicide and gender-based violence (GBV) targeting young women in Kenya. It seeks to empower young women and girls to recognize, resist, and report instances of violence, while also fostering community awareness and support for their protection and rights. 

So far, Jennifer has held a webinar with 36 attendees on femicide, GBV, and the bystander’s role in prevention. Three virtual and in-person workshops are planned for November and December in various communities around the country. Jennifer shared that, “Empowered young women [and] established support networks and referral systems for survivors.” as a result of the initial webinar.

“Let us learn to elevate one another and be intentional to create a space for all women. It is my business to address women’s issues, to see a world that respects women with no discrimination and gives women a safe and secure space to grow and achieve to their full potential.” - Jennifer Mwethya Muema 

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Jennifer participated in the IVLP Project Women Leaders - Promoting Peace and Security, organized by the U.S. Department of State and World Learning, in partnership with Georgia Council for International Visitors, World Affairs Council - Cincinati & Northern Kentucky, and WorldChicago. 

Jennifer’s exchange experience led to the development of her project: "My experience with the IVLP Program focused on promoting peace and security for women leaders. The Women Helping Women organization's (Cincinnati, Ohio) dedication to empowering women and preventing gender-based violence stood out for me and was truly commendable. For the project that I will be implementing I will be incorporating the knowledge and connections from the IVLP program with the information provided about the Prevent & Empower Education program that I will customize to my audience, leading to meaningful collaborations and positive impacts. I hope to leverage on my experience and connections to support and enhance initiatives like the Prevent & Empower Education for young women programs in Kenya.”

“As Maya Angelou once said, ‘Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.’ This quote perfectly defines the women I met while on my IVLP Experience and their efforts towards embracing inclusive gender perspectives. The interventions and initiatives, with consideration for the diverse projects and populations, demonstrated that women's contribution to peace and security is vital. I appreciated the opportunity to get inspired to continue making a difference and elevate other women and girls.” - Jennifer Mwethya Muema 

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Atlanta GA; Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH 

Country: Kenya

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