Gender-based violence in Kenya is a pandemic that is demolishing our society and the country in general. Our women are being murdered violently by men daily.
Women and girls continue to suffer inequality and violence worldwide; while children are easily forgotten since they have no one to speak for them. GBV is today considered one of the most widespread violations of human rights. Global statistics indicate that one in three women is affected by violence in her lifetime.
Though violence against women and girls doesn’t consider social status or religious doctrine, the most affected are women in marginalised regions of the world. GBV has significant impact on people’s lives, and it destabilises the development of society.
In 1979, the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). And since November 25, 1981, the date has been commemorated yearly to sensitise on GBV, and in memory of the three Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic who were murdered brutally by then dictator Rafael Trujillo for the “crime” of being radical political activists.
In this country, despite efforts by human rights organisations, gender activists and civil society to thwart violence, GBV remains a prevalent phenomenon as the female gender continues to suffer in silence. No female is spared—from educated to illiterate to prominent, all still face this challenge of the 21st Century.
Although there have been concerted efforts to promote and ensure the safety of the female gender, the journey is far from near before we realise the desired results.
Statistics from the Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW-Kenya) indicate that 3,762 GBV cases were reported last year. Out of these, 2,985 cases were by women while 777 cases were by men.
The cases ranged from defilement, femicide, threats, rape and assault. Yet violence against women and girls often goes unreported, out of fear and stigma.
More worrisome is that some communities believe in the stereotype that violence toward females is normal and that it is a private affair. The lack of political will by government bureaucrats to offer victims the necessary support and prosecute perpetrators remains the major obstacle in combating GBV.
It is easier for police to devote resources to chasing marijuana smugglers than tracking murderers and rapists or responding to calls from females being beaten to death. That is how little we value women in this country
Regrettably, the majority of women and girls are ignorant or lack awareness of GBV, and do not even know their rights and the channels through which they can access these services if the situation goes sour.
The time is ripe for everyone to stigmatise all forms of violence by speaking against them, not judging/shaming victims and stop covering up for perpetrators.
Therefore, regardless of our status, we need to acknowledge that women have the right to inhabit spaces just like men; and to have capacities to live life at normal length and not die prematurely.
Our women are not a lesser gender and deserve to feel secure everywhere and rid of the premise on which GBV thrives. And to realise this requires collective efforts by everyone of goodwill–not the female gender only. It's time we united to end GBV.
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya