Photo by Natalia Jidovanu

Alumni

‘It’s a Community Problem, and it Affects All of Us’

Esther Kisaghu (SPH’06), founded a Nairobi-based domestic violence nonprofit that provides support services as well as an income-generating project that offers an opportunity for survivors to gain financial independence.

This story was originally published in Bostonia magazine

To Esther Kisaghu, Boston University was more than just a place to obtain a world-class education. It was also a refuge after leaving an almost decade-long abusive marriage in her native Kenya. And, as she earned her master’s in public health, BU would ultimately help her lay the groundwork for a nonprofit helping other Kenyans escape abuse.

Kisaghu (SPH’06) is founder of the Rose Foundation, a Nairobi-based nonprofit that aids survivors of domestic abuse and works to prevent abuse through community interventions. The foundation is named after Kisaghu’s late mother, Peninah Rose Wali, a lifelong community activist. Kisaghu is also the author of the memoir The Triumph of My Life: Domestic Violence and Society’s Thundering Silence (Xulon Press, 2014).

Domestic violence is prevalent throughout Kenyan society, Kisaghu says. 

“During COVID lockdown, we called it a ‘shadow pandemic’ because it escalated so horribly,” she says. “And it’s still a big issue—hardly a week passes without hearing about a domestic violence incident that occurred somewhere in the country.” Those are only the reported incidents, she adds: “So many cases don’t get outside a family setting.”

That’s why she started the Rose Foundation. Kisaghu’s mission is to break the cycle of abuse that permeates her culture and compels victims to suffer in silence. 

“The onus is on us to educate the masses so that they see this is a societal problem, and no longer a private matter that just affects an individual and their family,” she says. “It’s a community problem, and it affects all of us.” 

Kisaghu spoke to Bostonia about her work with the nonprofit and why helping survivors thrive after abuse matters.

How does the Rose Foundation work to prevent abuse?

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What are some of the challenges you face?

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What are the primary ways the Rose Foundation aids survivors?

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What advice would you give someone hoping to start a social-aid organization in their community?

First and foremost, meet with community leaders and let them buy into the vision. We started our first month of working in a neighboring county with a very high rate of domestic violence by meeting with grassroots leaders who, in turn, talked to the community members and told them to support our work. And know that it is not work that is geared toward making money. I have made personal financial sacrifices—I do not earn a salary from the organization. I rely on the kind donations of churches abroad and at home for my upkeep. I model my social justice work on the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. (GRS’55, Hon.’59). But I am determined to use my knowledge, skills, and experience for domestic violence work instead of making money and living a life of comfort. This is my lifelong commitment.