Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

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 Décrivez votre startup en détail

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 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

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 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service fourni par votre startup (au moins 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 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adresse le produit/service de votre startup. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

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 Quand votre entreprise a-t-elle été créée ?

08/11/2022

01.06 Vendez-vous déjà votre produit/service ?

Oui

01.07 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires de votre entreprise en plus de vous ?

1

01.08 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

01.09 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre startup (compétences, expérience, 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 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

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

01.11 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre entreprise ?

Autre : Human Rights

02.01.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

5

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

5

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Éducation de Qualité'

5

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

5

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

3

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

02.07.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

02.08.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovation et Infrastructure'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

02.10.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

2

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

02.12.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsables'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

02.13.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques'

5

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

02.15.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

1 -pas du tout d'accord

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

02.16.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

4

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

02.17.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma 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 Un grand nombre de clients utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire au nôtre.

5

06.02 Notre produit/service représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

3

06.03 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

2

06.04 Notre produit/service est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

3

06.05 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

4

06.06 Notre produit/service répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

5

06.07 Notre produit/service est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

4

06.08 Justification

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 Analyse compétitive

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 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes 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