End Femicide in Kenya: What Will It Take?
The conversation around femicide and gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya continues to raise critical concerns. Experts and advocates emphasize the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat these societal issues.
This was the focus of a recent panel discussion during the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, where professionals in human rights, gender advocacy, and women’s rights addressed the escalating cases of femicide and related forms of violence.
Government Allocations and Safe Spaces
The government’s pledge of Ksh 100 million towards the Safe Home Safe Spaces campaign was highlighted as a significant step in addressing intimate partner violence and other GBV forms.
An official from the Executive Office of the President explained that the initiative aims to foster technological safety and innovation. University students from 13 institutions were engaged to develop solutions to challenges in cyberspace, reflecting the rise of technologically facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).
The Escalation of Gender-Based Violence
Panelists noted an alarming increase in GBV cases, including femicide, which have intensified in both severity and frequency. A director from a leading recovery center pointed out that cases are not only more numerous but also more complex, with new forms such as TFGBV.
She cited instances of victims being targeted through social media or subjected to cyberbullying. These developments underscore the necessity for a multifaceted approach to tackling GBV.
“There is a clear escalation, not just in numbers but in the forms of violence. Awareness and trust in response mechanisms have led to more reporting, but the violence itself remains pervasive,” she remarked.
The Role of Legislation
Legal frameworks, such as the Sexual Offenses Act of 2006, have been instrumental but require updates to address evolving forms of GBV. A human rights officer called for legislative reviews to ensure they adequately cover emerging challenges, including TFGBV. He also noted that survivors’ access to justice is hindered by slow judicial processes and systemic weaknesses.
“Justice relies on collaboration among agencies. While there are successes, delays and gaps often frustrate survivors and their families,” he explained.
Strengthening Response Mechanisms
One significant commitment by the government is the revival of gender desks at police stations. This measure aims to provide immediate support to survivors, reducing retraumatization by streamlining access to medical, legal, and psychological assistance. Advocates stressed the importance of integrating services into one-stop centers to ensure survivors receive timely and comprehensive support.
“The idea is to make survivors feel supported at their first point of contact. This is crucial for collecting evidence and ensuring a smooth justice process,” a gender advocate emphasized.
Community and Cultural Shifts
Experts agreed that ending femicide requires addressing root causes, including harmful cultural practices, gender stereotypes, and economic disparities. Education and awareness campaigns were identified as key strategies to change mindsets and foster respect for human rights from an early age.
“We need to break the cycle of violence by addressing negative social norms and promoting positive masculinities,” a panelist noted.
A Call to Action
The panel concluded with a call for collective action, urging communities, civil society, and government institutions to work together. Ending femicide, they emphasized, is not solely a government responsibility but a societal obligation.
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“Everyone has a role to play. From creating awareness to challenging stereotypes, we must all act to protect and empower survivors,” a women’s rights advocate stated.
As Kenya continues its fight against GBV, the urgency to address femicide remains a stark reminder of the work ahead.
End Femicide in Kenya: What Will It Take?
