UNHCR Partners With Safaricom to Launch the 2nd Edition of the #Bongaforlife Campaign to Support Displaced Women and Girls

The second edition of the UNHCR #BongaForLife campaign will run throughout December 2023 and into the new year 2024
The second edition of the UNHCR #BongaForLife campaign will run throughout December 2023 and into the new year 2024
UNHCR

Nairobi, 15 December 2023. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has joined forces with Safaricom to launch the second edition of the #BongaForLife campaign. The campaign aims to preserve the dignity and safety of forcibly displaced women and girls and their host communities who may be victims, survivors, or affected by gender-based violence (GBV).

Globally, 1 in every 3 women face some form of GBV in their lifetime. GBV shatters the lives of victims, and the stigma is often enough to keep survivors from seeking medical treatment, let alone demanding justice. Refugee women and girls are specifically vulnerable to rape, sexual assault, and exploitation, especially during emergencies that cause mass displacement over a short period.

"In the face of the pervasive challenges posed by gender-based violence among forcibly displaced people, UNHCR’s commitment to their well-being and safety remains a top priority. Through the #BongaForLife campaign, we invite individuals and businesses in Kenya to kindly donate their Bonga Points to help provide the support necessary for rebuilding lives shattered by the horrors of this type of violence," said Caroline Van Buren, UNHCR Kenya Country Representative.

Globally, 1 in every 3 women face some form of GBV in their lifetime
Globally, 1 in every 3 women face some form of GBV in their lifetime
UNHCR

"Supporting the #BongaForLife campaign aligns with Safaricom's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom PLC. “#BongaForLife is a call to solidarity, and I urge individuals and the private sector alike to join us in mobilizing support to help provide critical medical assistance and psycho-social support among other crucial services in support of the affected women and girls.”

UNHCR celebrity and digital influencer supporters in Kenya played a critical role in helping amplify the campaign in 2022. This year, they have come on board to urge their audience to donate their Bonga Points. The supporters include Mercy Masika, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Pinky Ghelani, UNHCR High Profile Supporter, and other UNHCR celebrity supporters, including Dr. King’ori, Crazy Kennar, Lynn Ngugi, and Biko Adema.

Last year, the campaign raised over 30 million Bonga Points, which translated to supporting over 1,800 displaced families and their host communities affected by the devastating drought that struck the Horn of Africa.

Last year, the campaign raised over 30 million Bonga Points, which translated to supporting over 1,800 displaced families and their host communities affected by the devastating drought that struck the Horn of Africa.
Last year, the campaign raised over 30 million Bonga Points, which translated to supporting over 1,800 displaced families and their host communities affected by the devastating drought that struck the Horn of Africa.
Photo
UNHCR

The second edition of the #BongaForLife campaign will run throughout December 2023 and into the new year 2024.

Donate your Bonga Points today:

  • Dial *126*20#
  • Select Option 2: UNHCR
  • Add your Amount 
  • Complete the Donation

 

Or donate via M-Pesa Pay Bill 

  • Paybill No: 329 378 
  • Account: KENYANS
  • Payment: Give generously 
  •  

For more information about the campaign, please contact:

  • Leonida Otindo

Tel: +254702699924 

Email: otindo@unhcr.org

Refugee women and girls are specifically vulnerable to rape, assault, and exploitation, especially during emergencies that cause mass displacement over a short period.
Refugee women and girls are specifically vulnerable to rape, assault, and exploitation, especially during emergencies that cause mass displacement over a short period.
Photo
UNHCR