Safeguarding Athletes: A Co-Creation Workshop for Safer Training Camps

In a pivotal move to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) within athletics, a collaborative workshop is underway in the North Rift region, bringing together key stakeholders to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for safeguarding athletes in training camps.

This initiative seeks to foster safe, supportive environments for athletes  and coaches, empowering them to pursue their passions while being protected from harmful practices.

The workshop, which features participants from a diverse range of sectors, is being attended by representatives from national ministries, county governments, Athletics Kenya, coaches, athletes, team managers, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) such as the Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance (CEDGG).

The goal is to co-create actionable measures that prevent, detect, and respond to cases of GBV and SEA in athletics training camps, particularly in the North Rift, a region renowned for producing top- tier athletes.

Safeguarding athletes, especially in high-pressure training environments, is more critical than ever. As athletics continue to grow in prominence both locally and internationally, the safety of athletes must remain a central concern. This initiative aligns with global efforts to ensure that sport is a safe space for all, irrespective of gender, background, or circumstance.

The co-creation process emphasizes the importance of working together to establish comprehensive SOPs that address not only prevention and detection but also effective responses in the face of violations.

Through these collaborative efforts, the goal is to build a framework that will be scalable across all training camps in the region and eventually nationwide.

This framework will empower athletic bodies, coaches, and athletes to take collective responsibility for creating environments of dignity and respect.

"Safeguarding in sports isn't just about protecting athletes from harm; it's about fostering an environment where they can thrive," said Davis Okeyo. "Our collective work here is setting the stage for a future where athletes can train and compete without fear of violence or exploitation."

The workshop represents a crucial step towards ensuring that athletics, a sport known for promoting discipline, strength, and teamwork, upholds the same values in protecting its participants from GBV and SEA.

As more stakeholders join the cause, there is hope for a future where all athletes can enjoy their careers in environments of equality, dignity, and respect.

NGEC Kisumu Region Lead, Davis Okeyo, makes a presentation during a workshop