Circus for Social Change refers to movement that uses circus art as a medium for social justice and social good. The transformative power of circus connects education, physical art and social development. It is a tool for transformation, discipline, creativity, messaging and artistic expression. Sarakasi Trust identifies with the above and as such we have partnered with Africalia (https://africalia.be/en/ )to use art through dance and acrobatics to communicate social messages and instil social change specifically to help curb gender-based violence a vice that is slowly spilling out of control in our country.

According to a 2022 report, over 40% of women in Kenya between the ages of 15 and 49 have experienced physical violence, and 14% have experienced sexual violence. GBV can have severe consequences, especially for women who are already vulnerable, such as those from poor or marginalized communities, those with disabilities, and young girls. GBV is often rooted in the unequal distribution of power between men and women, and can be reinforced by social norms and cultural practices. Unfortunately, the vice is often underreported due to fear and stigma. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the issue, with a 360% increase in GBV-related calls to the national helpline in 2020.