This archive report was first published on 25 November 2019.
Today marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign that aims to eliminate violence against women and girls. The campaign, which runs up to December 10, has been in existence for 28 years.
However, despite its long history, the campaign has not had a significant impact in Kenya. In fact, the country continues to grapple with alarming levels of gender-based violence (GBV). Victims often fear speaking out, exacerbating the problem.
Ending GBV and ensuring safety for women and girls is achievable and should be a top priority for the government, institutions, communities, and individuals. While men can also be victims of GBV, statistics show that most abuse is inflicted and perpetrated by men.
According to recent statistics, one in every three women experiences domestic violence in her lifetime. In Kenya, the media is filled with horror stories of women being beaten up and killed by their male partners, as well as innocent children being murdered in brutal ways.
Recent cases include the brutal murder of Joyce Syombua and her two children in Nanyuki, allegedly by her estranged husband, and the disappearance and subsequent murder of Faith Wangui in Nakuru. These cases are just a few examples of the many women who have lost their lives to GBV.
According to an article in the Saturday Nation 's Saturday Magazine, men have killed eight women every month over the past 11 months. The figure rose to 82 cases of reported femicide by November 16. The country has become a crime scene and a never-ending horror story.
While the 16 Days of Activism campaign is a step in the right direction, it is not enough to put a stop to GBV. The government should commission a study to determine the campaign's effectiveness and consider better funding of rape crisis workers and social workers. GBV desks at police stations should be enhanced by empowering those who man them, and the Protection against Domestic Violence Act should be fully enforced.
The government should also allocate money to support women in abusive relationships and ensure they have a safe place to go where they can heal and move on. Speaking up against GBV is not an option if we are to uproot it from our families, communities, and societies. Women and girls must be encouraged to speak up about their experiences and create awareness of the magnitude of the problem.
Dorcas Odumbe is the gender editor at NMG; [email protected]
