25 th November each years marks the beginning of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence which begins on 25 th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. The campaign is used as a strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. This year’s theme is: Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls.
The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS)2022, indicates that over 40 percent of women have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner during their lives. Further, statistics by The Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW-Kenya) revealed that over 3,762 cases of Gender-Based Violence were reported in 2022. Out of those cases, 2,985 cases of GBV were by women. The staggering numbers only show how much more needs to be done to prevent violence against women and girls.
Women are exposed to a myriad of violent acts including sexual, physical, psychological, and emotional violence because there are limited avenues for recourse. Kenya has tried to ensure that survivors of violence are protected. There exists a robust legal system to protect survivors of violence including the Sexual Offences Act and Gender desks in police stations, and the just recently launched Sexual Gender-Based Violence courts. Despite these, women are still susceptible to violence.
To ensure that established systems are beneficial to survivors and prevent violence, a survivor- centered approach should be employed. This is where the system works to make the search for justice easier and not rigorous for the survivor. Often, the system designed to offer support is the same one that deters women and girls from seeking services. Many times, women have reported violations and have been ridiculed by the receiving officers and accused of causing the violations. Severally, during trials, investigation officers have stated that evidence meant to support the survivor’s case has been eaten by rats, leaving the survivor with no hope for justice.
Establishing systems and structures to address violence against women and girls is not enough, there must be proactive and sustained investment is not only a moral imperative but also an essential step toward building a society where women and girls can live free from the threat of violence. It requires a multi-dimensional and collaborative approach to address the complex factors contributing to gender-based violence and create lasting change.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) have made great strides in working towards changing attitudes within the community and breaking stereotypes that perpetuate gender-based violence. Social change, however, needs to be accompanied by systemic change which involves transforming power dynamics and policies. The government has the duty to work towards breaking down of the systemic barriers towards prevention of violence against women and girls. Collaboration with NGOs, CBOs and other stakeholders is key to making this change. Ensuring that government legal aid services are operational, training for law enforcement officers and working to have a seamless judicial system to address S/GBV matters is a great place to start.
