Voi: The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) Chairperson, Rehema Jaldesa, has called for urgent collective action to combat the rising instances of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kenya.
According to Kenya News Agency, Jaldesa’s speech was delivered by the commission’s CEO, Dr. Purity Ngina, during a public meeting with leaders and residents of Taita Taveta County at Voi Youth Center. The meeting aimed to address the increasing cases of GBV, and Jaldesa highlighted alarming statistics from the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey, which painted a grim picture of GBV across the country. She noted that in Taita Taveta County, 14% of women aged 15 to 49 reported experiencing physical violence, while 30% reported sexual violence. Other counties, including Murang’a, Migori, and Meru, recorded even higher rates, with figures as high as 54% for sexual violence.
In her speech, Jaldesa pointed out the disturbing trends of gender-based violence, including the homicide of women and girls, with 97 deaths reported over the past three months. These statistics are as of October 2024, leaving the situation in November and December uncertain. Jaldesa emphasized the need for immediate action, declaring that silence in the face of such atrocities is unacceptable.
In addition to these statistics, Jaldesa highlighted the increasing prevalence of technology-facilitated GBV, where women and girls are harassed, abused, or even murdered after online encounters. She cited tragic incidents, including the deaths of a social media influencer and a 23-year-old university student, which underscore the growing threat posed by digital platforms. Jaldesa stressed the necessity for strategic efforts to combat gender-based violence effectively by investing in prevention and accountability.
The NGEC chairperson urged county governments, faith-based organizations, and community groups to collaborate on awareness campaigns, provide support for survivors, and invest in preventive measures. She commended Taita Taveta County for its commitment to constructing a center for GBV survivors, offering mental health support and other essential services. Jaldesa announced that the commission is organizing a male-focused engagement to explore the role of men in GBV prevention and response, emphasizing the need to address harmful cultural norms and involve men in conversations about gender equality.
During the meeting at Voi Youth Center, Dr. Ngina echoed Jaldesa’s sentiments, providing alarming statistics and urging all stakeholders to collaborate in combating the growing menace. She revealed that recent statistics indicate troubling trends. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022, 18% of girls in Taita Taveta County became mothers before the age of 18, and 30% of women have experienced physical violence. She emphasized that these issues contribute to femicide, which remains a significant concern.
Dr. Ngina explained that the commission is conducting a week-long community engagement campaign in counties with high GBV rates, including Taita Taveta, Murang’a, Meru, Bomet, and Migori. These counties were selected based on data and online conversations about GBV. She stressed the importance of community-driven solutions and the involvement of local leadership in addressing GBV.
Dr. Ngina held discussions with Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime, the county commissioner, other leaders in the county, and residents to develop strategies for prevention and timely response to GBV cases. She commended the involvement of local leaders and representatives from the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, highlighting the importance of political goodwill. Dr. Ngina noted the president’s commitment by allocating Sh100 million for safe spaces and forming a technical working group on GBV, though she emphasized that more needs to be done to achieve lasting solutions.
Dr. Ngina called on the media to amplify awareness campaigns, emphasizing their role in reaching all Kenyans. She expressed optimism that by 2026, the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) will be successful, citing existing policies and legal frameworks to address the issue. She urged communities to commit to eradicating harmful practices like FGM and emphasized the need for collective efforts to achieve zero GBV cases by the end of 2025.