Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

At Global Rights Defenders (GRD) we advocate for refugee & human rights for every person to be empowered, achieve socio-economic independence & self-reliance, and have strengthened capacities to ensure that their rights, freedoms and dignities are valued

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

GRD works closely with displaced populations to empower them to achieve self-reliance and break the cycle of being born in a refugee camp. We endeavour in research to inform public policy, and advocate for meaningful and inclusive policies to uphold the rights of vulnerable communities. We also provide training to displaced populations to strengthen their capacities and enhance their ability to enter the work force and assimilate into their host societies. GRD also has many online advocacy campaigns where we advocate for human rights through our podcast, blog and newsletter . We collaborate with other organizations working on similar issues to enhance the protection and promotion of all human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

With more than 117 million people currently facing displacement and less than 50% of asylum countries allowing refugees to work, hundreds of thousands of people are increasingly dependent on their host countries for basic support such as food, shelter and clothing. Support of which is increasingly unreliable, inconsistent and scarce. But that’s where GRD steps in. By working one-on-one with Refugee Led Organizations (RLO) on the ground, we develop evidence-based research to inform programming, raise the voices of refugees to tell their story and advocate for systemic changes to give them the capacity needed to be self-reliant and accepted in their host countries. GRD is about solving a global humanitarian issue, starting right here in Kenya. With over 650,000 refugees, Kenya is the 5th largest hosting country in East Africa and 13th globally. By working directly with refugees we give them the programming, resources and knowledge needed to be self-reliant/independent.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

As an organization we focus on developing research, policy and community engagement/development. Through this work we produce very powerful benefits for the organizations and communities we work with. These benefits are: strengthening capacities of refugees to rely on their own abilities and not humanitarian aid/donations, creating inclusive policies so refugees can interrate/prosper in their host society, and we amplify the voices of displaced people and advocate for human rights to break the cycle of generational displacement in refugee camps. By championing human rights globally, we strive towards a more equitable world where displaced populations are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity and opportunity. Through research, policy development, and community engagement, we are committed to creating lasting impact and advancing the cause of humanitarianism worldwide.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

GRD’s services are aimed at serving displaced populations in Kenya, including refugees, asylum seekers, and people facing displacement. Our targeted beneficiaries include individuals living in refugee camps, host communities, and those navigating challenges in new environments. We prioritize empowering these vulnerable groups through research, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring their voices are heard in policy-making and humanitarian efforts. Our goal is to foster self-reliance, uphold human rights, and promote inclusive societies for all affected by forced displacement. GRD’s services also extend to other businesses and nonprofit organizations. As one of our pillars is capacity building, we work directly with other organizations designed to support refugees to give them the tools necessary to advocate for change and self-reliance.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-11-08

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Rai Friedman is a multilingual international development consultant and the Founder and CEO of the NGO Global Rights Defenders (GRD). GRD advocates for refugee and human rights worldwide. Rai specializes in refugee and human rights and has over eight years of experience in the international development sector as it relates to research, policy and advocacy, project management, and migration governance. Rai has worked in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and North America. She is also a frequent panelist, moderator, host, and public speaker for issues pertaining to refugee or human rights. Some of her clients include Amnesty International, WUSC, Cuso International, UNHCR, among others.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

www.globalrightsdefenders.org; https://www.linkedin.com/company/82308582/admin/feed/posts/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Human Rights

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

GRD contributes significantly to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty through its focused initiatives and advocacy efforts. By empowering refugees and displaced populations to attain self-reliance, GRD helps break the cycle of poverty that often plagues these vulnerable communities. Through research on barriers to socio-economic integration, policy advocacy for inclusive governance, and capacity-building programs with Refugee-led Organizations (RLOs), GRD creates pathways for economic independence and dignified living conditions. By amplifying the voices of displaced persons and promoting human rights, GRD not only addresses immediate needs but also supports sustainable solutions that combat poverty, fostering inclusive societies where all individuals can thrive.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

GRD plays a crucial role in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger through its comprehensive approach to empowering refugees and displaced populations. By enhancing socio-economic opportunities and promoting self-reliance among these communities, GRD reduces their reliance on humanitarian aid and enhances food security. By partnering with local organizations and amplifying the voices of displaced populations, GRD fosters inclusive solutions that contribute to achieving zero hunger, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their displacement status, have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

GRD contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being by conducting research that informs evidence-based interventions and policies that improve health outcomes. GRD's emphasis on empowering Refugee-Led Organizations and amplifying the voices of affected communities ensures that health initiatives are culturally sensitive and responsive to the diverse needs of displaced populations. By fostering partnerships and advocating for inclusive policies, GRD contributes to creating environments where all individuals can achieve and maintain good health and well-being, regardless of their displacement status.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Global Rights Defenders (GRD) contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education by understanding that education is a fundamental right for refugees and displaced populations. Through its programs and initiatives, GRD seeks to ensure that all individuals, including those living in refugee camps and host communities, have access to inclusive and quality educational opportunities. By partnering with local organizations and refugee-led initiatives, GRD supports programs that promote knowledge and skill development among displaced populations. Contributing to building resilient communities and preparing individuals for future opportunities, fostering sustainable development and achieving the goal of quality education for all.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

GRD is dedicated to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality through its advocacy and empowerment programs for displaced populations. Through collaborative efforts with local organizations and community engagement, GRD works to eliminate gender disparities and ensure equal access to resources and decision-making processes. By amplifying the voices of marginalized genders and advocating for gender-sensitive policies, GRD fosters environments where all individuals can thrive and contribute to building inclusive societies.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

GRD actively contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through its focused initiatives to empower refugees and displaced populations economically. By promoting self-reliance and socio-economic integration, GRD helps break cycles of dependency on aid and fosters sustainable livelihoods. Through research and advocacy, GRD identifies barriers to employment and economic participation among displaced communities, advocating for policies that support inclusive labor markets and entrepreneurship opportunities. GRD's capacity-building programs equip individuals with skills training and education, enabling them to develop financial independence.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

GRD is committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduce Inequality through its targeted efforts to empower marginalized and displaced populations. GRD advocates for inclusive policies and practices that uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals. Through research and data-driven approaches, GRD identifies and addresses systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality, such as access to education and economic opportunities. By amplifying the voices of marginalized groups and advocating for their inclusion in decision-making processes, GRD promotes social justice and equitable development of people facing displacement. Through partnerships with local organizations, governments and NGOs, GRD works to build resilient communities where every person has equal access to resources and opportunities, contributing to a more just and inclusive society.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

2

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

GRD contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action through its work that acknowledges the relationships between displaced populations and environmental disasters. As climate change increasingly contributes to displacement worldwide, GRD works to advocate for policies that mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainable practices within refugee and host communities. Through research, GRD advocates for policies that prioritize the protection of refugees from environmental factors. By amplifying the voices of affected communities in climate policy discussions, GRD advocates for climate action strategies that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

N/A

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

GRD actively supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals through its collaborative approach to advocating for refugee and human rights. GRD engages in partnerships with local and international NGOs, governmental agencies and community-based organizations to leverage expertise and resources in advancing humanitarian causes. By fostering inclusive partnerships, GRD strengthens advocacy efforts, amplifies the voices of displaced populations, and influences policy frameworks that support sustainable development and human rights. GRD's commitment to transparency and accountability in its partnerships ensures effective coordination and mutual support which promotes collective action towards achieving shared goals. Through networking and alliance-building, GRD enhances its capacity to innovate solutions, mobilize resources, and create lasting impact for displaced communities.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

5

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

3

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

2

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

3

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

5

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

The refugee crisis both in Kenya and globally, is a growing issue that continue to need innovative programs to create real solutions. Unlike other organizations GRD works directly one-on-one with refugees facing displacement. This means that our work is directly influence by the people that benefit from our presence. GRD is not reinventing the wheel, instead we are providing innovative solutions to help solve a global issue.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

While other organizations are designed to support refugees, they often help from an aerial view and are disconnected from the communities they aim to support. These organizations often have lofty bureaucratic procedures and are constrained by government funding, which have vested interests. They also tend not to work directly with the people they aim to support, and as a result, the voice of the people they intend to help gets lost. At GRD, we aim to create a new wave of humanitarianism. Our voice is unique compared to other organizations because while we work with similar organizations to build partnerships, awareness and engagement around the global refugee crisis,our voice is that of refugees and others forced to flee. Behind every component of our work is a person with lived experience of forced displacement. Meaning that our business model produces programming through an evidence-based, informative lens while also giving power to the people who need it.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

GRD supports enabling people to achieve self-reliance where we focus on working aged individuals 18 - 54, whereby half of the beneficiary population is female. At GRD, majority of our volunteer roster is female where we always encourage entrepreneurial avenues, support where necessary, and provide our platform to our volunteers so they may engage in their own activities