This archive report was first published on 29 October 2021.
Girls in Kilifi Blame Tough Parenting for Not Reporting GBV Cases ¶
Girls in Kilifi, Kenya, have spoken out about the harsh treatment they receive from their parents, which they say is the reason they don't report cases of gender-based violence (GBV) at school and in the community.
During a GBV awareness forum at the Garashi ACK Church in Garashi, Magarini Sub-county on October 28, 2021, the girls shared their experiences and called for change.
"Some of our parents are too harsh, making it difficult for us to open up whenever we are abused," said Dinda Ivone, a Form Four student at Garashi Secondary School.
Ms. Ivone noted that girls often suffer silently due to their parents' harsh treatment, which can lead to low self-esteem and even suicidal thoughts. She shared that some girls have ended up committing suicide, and others have dropped out of school as a result of the abuse.
"Many of the girls who have dropped out of school did not do so because they got pregnant, others might be going through psychological torture as a result of abuse but their parents were not there for them," she said.
Another girl, Betty Pendo from Kakuhani village, said that parents often blame the girls for their plight, rather than taking responsibility for their actions.
"Parents are not ready to listen to their children. A girl is sexually abused and because the parents did not expect it to happen, they turn against her and blame her for accepting to be sexually abused," she said.
Ms. Pendo called on the government and non-governmental organizations to conduct sensitization programs for parents to raise awareness about GBV and its impact on girls.
Ms. Bibiana Salim from Sauti ya Wanawake Magarini, a local organization that supports survivors of GBV, also spoke out about the need for change.
"Girls wander in the village and among relatives. At some point, they seek refuge at Sauti ya Wanawake," she said, highlighting the need for schools to revive guidance and counseling departments to address the challenges faced by girls.
