Nairobi, KENYA, February 28, 2017: Helen Wairimu, 106, is the oldest participant of the ‘Shosho Jikinge’ (Engl.: ‘Grandmother defend yourself’) group in the Korogocho township. A rape survivor, Helen has been training self-defense techniques with around 20 other ladies, aged between 55-106 years, for six years. In 2016, a heavy-set, young man came to Helen’s hut and raped her. Helen still participates in the class every week, eager to encourage the other women to train harder through her role as a survivor.
Nairobi, KENYA, February 23, 2017: Everlyne Odhiambu (C), 36, an instructor for the 'Shosho Jikinge' group in the Kibera township, encourages the participants to use their voices when being molested by men.
Nairobi, KENYA, February 28, 2017: A woman walks along a street in the Korogocho township, where elderly ladies have been a target of sexual violence, as a superstition persists, which says that having sex with a grandmother will cure one from HIV and wash off all criminal sins.
Nairobi, KENYA, February 23, 2017: A participant of the 'Shosho Jikinge' (Engl.: 'Grandmother defend yourself') group in the Kibera township practices a technique to break free from a grip.
Nairobi, KENYA, Febrary 21, 2017: (FL) Elizabeth Kamau, 60, Ann Ajuma Okiri, 56, and Hannah Wanja, 72, practice self-defense techniques during a 'Shosho Jikinge' (Engl.: 'Grandmother defend yourself') class in the Korogocho township. All three have successfully escaped or fought off potential sexual attackers since joining the class.
Nairobi, KENYA, March 2, 2017: Claire Khosoha, 67, practices an eye-stabbing technique. Claire has been training with the 'Shosho Jikinge' group in the Kibera township since five years and has successfully applied several skills. "Today I feel confident when I walk through Kibera. The men, they fear me now", she says.
Nairobi, KENYA, February 21, 2017: Participants of the 'Shosho Jikinge' (Engl.: Grandmother defend yourself') group leave after a training session in the Korogocho township.
Nairobi, KENYA, February 21, 2017: Beatrice Njeri Murange (C), 71, sings during a 'Shosho Jikinge' (Engl.: 'Grandmother defend yourself') class in the Korogocho township. Beatrice has successfully applied various skills she learned since joining the group five years ago. She joined because many grandmothers in her neighbourhood were raped and murdered. Nowadays, she feels confident and comfortable when walking through the streets.
Nairobi, KENYA, February 21, 2017: Beatrice Njeri Murange, 71, practices a palm punch during a 'Shosho Jikinge' class in the Korogocho township, as others look on. Beatrice has successfully applied various skills she learned during the class, escaping potential attackers. Nowadays, she feels more confident and comfortable when walking through the streets of the township.
Nairobi, KENYA, February 21, 2017: A participant of the 'Shosho Jikinge’ (Engl. 'Grandmother defend yourself') group in the Korogocho township screams ‘No’ whilst practicing a self-defense technique. Most of the women in the group, aged between 55-106 years, have successfully fought of potential attackers since joining the class.
Nairobi, KENYA, March 2, 2017: Flora Masista (C), 64, practices a self-defense technique, whilst screaming 'Nooo!' during a 'Shosho Jikinge’ class in the Kibera township. Flora has been training with the other Shoshos for five years and has since applied various tricks she learned: she has escaped potential attackers by lying, tricking and negotiating her way out of dangerous situations.
Nairobi, KENYA, February 21, 2017: Helen Wairimu, 106, walks home after a 'Shosho Jikinge' class. In 2016, when she was 105 years old, a heavy-set, young man came to Helen’s hut and raped her. Helen still participates in the class every week, eager to encourage the other women to train harder through her role as a survivor.
