This archive report was first published on 12 December 2019.
On December 12, 2019, the 1st National Gender Based Violence Conference in Kenya shed light on the significant gaps in the processes and systems handling prevention and tackling Gender Based Violence.
Men are often viewed as perpetrators of GBV, but they too are victims of abuse. According to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2014, 39 percent of married women and 9 percent of men aged 15 to 49 had experienced spousal, physical or sexual violence.
Changing the conversation from blaming men to involving them in GBV conversations can be effective. Men are more likely to participate when the conversation is about what's in GBV prevention for them, rather than being accused of perpetuating GBV.
There's a discordant between social norms and the messages surrounding GBV. For instance, repeatedly asking someone on a date after they said no is classified as harassment and abuse by the UN. Implementing minimum basic information on GBV, similar to HIV/AIDS awareness, can help bridge this gap.
The County Gender Offices are not fully equipped to handle GBV cases, which is a major concern. These offices are crucial responders at the county and grassroots level.
The GBV centre at Kenyatta National Hospital lacks a 360-degree approach to GBV, with regards to having a holistic health approach under one roof. This would mean effective case reporting, follow-up, and prosecution.
As the UNFPA Country Representative, Olajide Demola, said, if the systems in place are not enough, they can't be trusted to respond to emergencies urgently and sufficiently enough. Whatever weakness systems have, they're exaggerated during emergencies.
Having more conferences like these ensures that we're holding the people assigned to deal with GBV red flags accountable.
For those experiencing abuse or knowing someone who is, the Gender-Based Violence-free hotline is 1195. Additionally, a community of women healing from abuse can be joined via WhatsApp at +254736275978.
