This archive report was first published on 26 November 2019.
November 26, 2019, marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign that has been raising awareness about the scourge of violence against women and girls for 28 years.
The theme for this year's campaign, 'From Awareness to Accountability: Time Is Up! To Hold Governments Accountable For Their Promises,' echoes the sentiments of many Kenyans who feel that the government has not done enough to protect its citizens, particularly women and girls, from gender-based violence.
Kenya has made significant strides in addressing gender-based violence, with the passage of landmark laws such as the Sexual Offences Act of 2006 and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act of 2015. However, the country still struggles with accountability and ensuring justice for survivors.
According to statistics, one in every two women in Kenya will experience some form of violence before the age of 18. Women and girls living in urban informal settlements or slum communities are particularly vulnerable, with limited access to police stations, safe houses, and other essential services.
As the country reflects on its progress in addressing gender-based violence, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that survivors receive justice and that perpetrators are held accountable.
As the author, a conference coordinator and trustee of the African Gender and Media Initiative, notes, 'What survivors of violence need this year as we mark the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, is for the government to strive to find ways of ensuring justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.'
