In our country, gender-based violence is becoming a phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality and continues to be one of the most widespread and socially tolerated forms of human rights violations.
It cuts across nationality, race, class, ethnicity, and religion.
It has a profound social and economic impact on families, communities, and the entire nation and serious ramifications on national security as more instances are being witnessed during this electioneering period.
Men and women are affected differently by political violence.
In the case of women, political violence often manifests in a form of gender-based oppression which aims at or tends to keep them away from political participation.
All women have the right to participate in politics, express their opinions, and influence the development of their communities.
Women’s full and equal engagement with politics is essential for the realization of inclusive governance systems.
It is also vital for addressing gender discrimination and gender-based violence throughout Kenya.
There is an increasing need for women to claim their political space and for the government to facilitate women’s participation in politics.
To do this, the government needs to create an environment where gender-sensitive laws that prevent violence against women in Politics can be developed, and their complete implementation ensured.
Women should be seen as catalysts and agents of change, who deserve to be supported in accessing the public sphere safely, by community members.
There is a need to work on structural and institutional reforms to change the daily reality and challenge the male gatekeepers of the political and public sphere.
A new political and economic order is expected and demanded by women, activists, and community members to promote gender equity and women’s political empowerment.
Women in positions of leadership should instil an aggressive spirit in their fellow women to reclaim their rightful position in society.
They should engage in activities that would encourage a unanimous political movement by women to liberate themselves from male dominance.
To curb GBV, the government should try to integrate its management into planning through specific budgetary provisions by both county and national governments.
They should strengthen policy guidelines in service delivery, from the grassroots at the county level to the national level, through measures such as awareness creation and capacity building.
Also, it should strengthen the legal framework by enacting laws, where necessary, to deal with perpetrators to stem human rights violations.
They should also facilitate the implementation of the constitution, create awareness, and include GBV management in training for health staff, social workers, the judiciary, security agencies, and policymakers in general.
Eliminating GBV and its long-felt pain will take serious commitment, but importantly will enable Kenyans to feel that they belong to a caring society.
When gender-responsive, quality education is available to all, it has the potential to transform societies and build sustainable peace.
Intern at the Centre for the Study of Adolescence
Edited by Kiilu Damaris