Machakos: The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has integrated Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention measures into educational activities and programs in schools to provide individuals and learners with knowledge, resources, and skills to recognize, resist, and end GBV.
According to Kenya News Agency, NGEC, in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has developed innovative interventions to help prevent GBV in schools and communities. These include the use of programs such as Karate, Drama, Arts, and sports, along with convening Trainers of Teachers (TOT) to train 30 primary and secondary school teachers in Machakos, as well as college lecturers, on effective GBV training and prevention.
NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa, speaking at Machakos Teachers College during a workshop on Empowering Education against GBV under the NGEC-JICA GBV elimination project, stated that GBV is a significant violation of human rights and a barrier to gender equality. Education plays a crucial role in challenging the norms and behaviors that promote GBV.
Rehema emphasized that the approach focuses on education to dismantle harmful stereotypes, cultural norms, and inequities fueling GBV, thereby empowering individuals to recognize, resist, and prevent violence in all its forms.
She highlighted the concerning trend of increasing GBV in Kenya, particularly in the past week, affecting individuals of all genders, ages, and backgrounds, leaving lasting physical and psychological scars.
Rehema noted that the NGEC-JICA GBV project has already been implemented in Machakos, Kajiado, and Nairobi counties, and is yielding promising results, especially in schools. Plans are underway to expand the project to other regions.
'The strategies are yielding positive results, and by integrating GBV prevention into education, we can work towards a future where everyone lives free from violence and discrimination,' added Rehema.
The Chair also mentioned the upcoming launch of a book to support GBV survivors, as the government works to establish safe houses for GBV victims. She called on stakeholders from county, education, and national governments to remain committed to driving positive change.
Commissioner Mbithuka Nzomo from NGEC stressed the need for schools, organizations, and communities to create safe spaces for children and youths to speak up. He added that teachers must be vigilant in observing changes in their learners for early intervention and prevention of GBV.
Nzomo remarked, 'Kids speak up when there is a safe space for them, and we need to facilitate that so that we can intervene.'