About
OUR HISTORY
The origin of IREP
I-Rep Foundation was founded in 2010 in response to the alarming rise in Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early marriage, and gender-based violence (GBV) in the remote and marginalized communities of West Pokot County. At its inception, the Foundation was a local initiative, driven by a collective desire to address the persistent challenges faced by women, girls, and youth in the region. What started as community-led discussions and grassroots advocacy quickly grew into a recognized force for change within West Pokot. Through unwavering dedication and a deep understanding of the cultural dynamics at play, we established ourselves as a voice for the vulnerable, working tirelessly to combat harmful practices such as FGM and child marriage. Over the years, our reach has expanded significantly, enabling us to directly impact the lives of hundreds of women, children, and youth annually. As we gained momentum, we were able to broaden our scope beyond local advocacy, influencing policy debates and becoming an integral part of regional and national conversations on women’s rights, child protection, and community development. Our collaborations with local leaders, global partners, and policymakers have strengthened our ability to implement diverse and innovative programs that address the root causes of violence and discrimination. Despite our growth, we remain committed to our community-first approach, ensuring that our initiatives are always informed by the needs and voices of those we serve. Today, I-Rep Foundation continues to empower and uplift communities by promoting education, gender equality, economic opportunities, and the protection of women and girls from violence. Our journey is a testament to the power of local action, and we are determined to keep advocating for a future where all women and girls in West Pokot can live free from violence, discrimination, and harmful practices.
2010
IDEA
START
SETTLING
IMPLEMENTING
Mission
To be the influential voice to end all forms of Gender Based Violence and abuse in order to achieve a safe society that recognizes, values and respects the rights and dignity of women and girls.
Vision
A society free from all forms of violence against women and girls.
Goal
To create a just society where women and girls are empowered to fully enjoy their human rights and live to their full potential.
IREP FOUNDATION
Strategic Objectives
At I_Rep Foundation, our work is anchored in five strategic pillars that reflect our commitment to ending violence, empowering communities, and building a just and sustainable future for all.
01
To End Harmful Practices & Promote Gender Justice
- We work to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage through rights-based advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and grassroots mobilization. We educate communities on the legal, health, and psychological impacts of these practices to promote lasting change.
02
To Advance Girls’ Education & Empowerment
- We advocate for inclusive and equitable access to quality education for marginalized girls and equip young people with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive as leaders and change agents in their communities.
03
To Promote Women’s Economic Empowerment & Livelihoods
- We empower women and girls to become financially independent through entrepreneurship training, access to resources, and sustainable, climate-smart income-generating opportunities.
04
To Strengthen SRHR and GBV prevention and Response Systems
- We promote access to community-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, raise awareness of reproductive rights, and provide safe spaces, psychosocial support, and legal referrals for survivors of gender-based violence.We promote access to community-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, raise awareness of reproductive rights, and provide safe spaces, psychosocial support, and legal referrals for survivors of gender-based violence.
05
To Foster Meaningful Youth engagement, Peacebuilding & Environmental Resilience
- We support peacebuilding initiatives and conflict resolution efforts, while promoting environmental sustainability and climate action through education and community engagement
I AM RESPONSIBLE
CORE VALUES
The organization’s core principles are encapsulated in the acronym I_REP; Integrity, Respect, Equity and Professionalism. These values guide the foundation’s efforts to foster community awareness, improve access to education and advocate for the rights and well-being of women and girls.
I – Integrity
At I_Rep Foundation, integrity is the cornerstone of our work. We are committed to honesty, transparency, and accountability in all our actions. Whether we are advocating against harmful practices or supporting a vulnerable child, we uphold the highest ethical standards, because the communities we serve deserve nothing less.
R – Respect for Human Rights
We believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. Our work is grounded in mutual respect, for the communities we serve, our partners and each other. We honor cultural contexts while challenging practices that harm, and we listen deeply to ensure our interventions are led by the voices of those most affected.
E – Equity
Equity drives our mission. We are dedicated to creating a just society where all children, girls and women regardless of gender, background, or ability, have access to opportunity, safety, and education. We intentionally prioritize the most vulnerable and marginalized, working to dismantle barriers and build inclusive futures that leave no one behind.
P – Professionalism
We approach our work with the highest standards of professionalism. This means being reliable, competent, and committed to continuous learning. From our grassroots engagements to our collaborations with national and global partners, we strive for excellence, always representing the values and vision of I_Rep with pride.
OUR FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
DOMTILA CHEPATULA
Domtila Chesang is the Founder and Director of I_Rep Foundation, a grassroots organization based in West Pokot County, Kenya, a region where the prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains alarmingly high, with rates exceeding the national statistics of 15% and reaching up to 100% in some remote villages.
A trained high school teacher by profession, Domtila chose to leave the classroom to become a full-time girls’ rights defender. Her decision to walk away from a traditional career path reflects her deep commitment to ending harmful practices and ensuring that girls and women live free from violence, fear, and discrimination.
Domtila is widely recognized both locally and internationally for her dedicated activism and community-based advocacy. Her courage, determination, and impact have earned her several prestigious awards and honors. Among these awards include the Presidential Head of State commendation HSC (2020), Human Rights Defender (2019), African Youth Leader (2018) and the Queen’s Young Leader Award (2017). She continues to lead I_Rep Foundation with vision and purpose, amplifying the voices of girls, building bridges for change, and challenging social norms that deny women and girls their rights.
I AM RESPONSIBLE
a note from our founder
“I come from a community where girls were expected to stay silent, but I chose to speak up. I believe championing women’s and girls’ rights and empowerment is not a project, it’s a shared responsibility and a lifelong commitment. I_Rep Foundation is an embodiment of what I believe in, my personal call to action, built from lived experience, shaped by resilience, and driven by a vision for a just, safe, and thriving society where dignity and rights are non-negotiable.”
~ Domtila Chesang
WE ARE RESPONSIBLE!
Eliminate all forms of harmful cultural practices.
Promote women, and girls' rights
Empower women and girls
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