France, Sept. 23 -- In the heart of Korogocho, a Nairobi slum where corrugated metal homes lean wearily against each other, a group of elderly women gathers every morning in a small community hall. Some use canes, others steady themselves on their friends' arms, but all share the same determined focus. They're not here to gossip or pray, they're here to learn how to fight.

A makeshift punching bag stuffed with rags hangs from the rafters. The women form a circle around it, colourful khangas wrapped tight, bare feet planted firmly on the earthen floor.

Beatrice Nyariara, who is in her seventies, calls out: "Remember, grandmothers, defend yourselves!"

For years, elderly women in Korogocho were targeted for rape and robbery, made vulnerab...