Research

At Ujamaa-Africa/NMNK we believe that all projects should include a monitoring and evaluation component to ensure that project’s effectiveness in the community it serves. We practice rigorous scientific methodology, undergo thorough peer review and publish our findings in well known international journals. Click on the links below to view our current projects and previously published findings.

NO Means NO Kenya 2011 Self-Defense Study

This study investigated the relationship between Empowerment-Defense training and the reduction in rape in the urban slum of Korogocho, Nairobi. We proved for the first time that Empowerment-Defense can dramatically reduce the incidence of rape in a high risk population of girls. In Korogocho one in four girs were being raped every year. The year after they had taken Self-Defense classes the incidence decreased to 1 in 9.Other study highlights include:

  1. High annual incidence of rape at 24.6% in the past one year prior to the intervention.
  3. Reduced the annual incidence to 9.2% after the Self Defense/Personal Empowerment training.
  4. Over 50% of the girls used the skills to stop a rapist in the year following the intervention.
  5. A 47% decrease in the incidence of pregnancy related school dropouts.
This study was published in “The Journal of Adoloscent Health”