This archive report was first published on 5 July 2021.
Published on July 5, 2021, experts have sounded the alarm on the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kenya, emphasizing the need for a multi-sectorial approach to address the issue.
Dr. Kizzie Shako, Founder of Vunja Kimya, noted that proper and adequate mechanisms with policymakers are key in winning the fight against GBV, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Demand for safe-houses was brought to the fore during the Covid-19 period, not only for girls but also for boys. Generally, we desperately need safe-houses for GBV victims everywhere across the country. This will also provide a platform for rehabilitation targeting perpetrators and offer assistance to victims pursuing justice,’ reiterated Dr. Shako.
Dr. Deepak Parmar, a specialist at Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital (KUTTRH), emphasized the need for a multi-sectorial approach in sensitizing nurses, doctors, and trauma counsellors, as well as police involvement to rapidly respond to cases of GBV.
Lack of comprehensive medical training and knowledge has contributed to the lack of strategies in offering assistance to victims of rape and sexual abuse, Dr. Parmar said, adding that this includes provision of emergency care such as prophylaxis to prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) or contraception, counselling from high-risk situations of suicide or emotional distress, and the right reporting forums.
Milka Kariuki, Coordinator of the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Mitigation Programmes at the Collaborative Centre for Gender Development (CCGD), noted that despite the government pledging to fight GBV, there is a need for political will to bridge the disconnect gap among the various stakeholders for a seamless healthcare and legal response.
Cultural practices are also barriers that allow perpetrators to go scot-free, leaving the victims traumatized and suffering from stigma, Kariuki said.
