Ending Impunity, Strengthening Systems, and Investing to End Gender-Based Violence
Date:
On 25th November 2024, Kenya marked its national launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence in Makueni County. In attendance were government officials, development partners, UN Agency representatives, civil society organizations, and other dignitaries.
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally. In 2023, global data showed that every 10 minutes, a woman was intentionally killed by a partner or family member. In Kenya, the statistics are equally alarming. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022, 16 per cent of women and 10 per cent of men reported experiencing physical violence in the previous 12 months, while 34 per cent of women and 27 per cent of men have faced physical violence since the age of 15. These figures represent disrupted lives, derailed futures, and weakened communities.
During the event, the UNiTE campaign was highlighted under the theme, “Every 10 Minutes, a Woman is Killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women,” calling for urgent attention and action to end the scourge of violence against women.
Hon. Anne Wango’mbe, Principal Secretary, Gender and Affirmative Action, highlighted that hospitals report an average of 4,000 gender-based violence (GBV) cases monthly, underscoring the severity of the issue. She also expressed concern over the rising cases of femicide across the country, calling for collective action to end the violence. On choosing Makueni County for the launch of the 16 Days of Activism, she explained that the high number of reported sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases in the area demonstrates the critical need for focused interventions and collaborative efforts to protect survivors and prevent further incidents.
As the world approaches the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30), the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence holds special significance in Kenya. The global campaign aligns with Kenya's commitment to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls as outlined in the Beijing framework.
“It is horrifying that women in the public eye, including those in politics, women human rights defenders and journalists are often targets of intentional acts of violence, both online and offline, with some leading to fatal outcomes and intentional killings,” said Mr. Dan Bazira, Deputy Country Representative of UN Women Kenya.
“The UNiTE campaign calls on all duty bearers, especially States and private sector companies, to act on priorities of ending violence against women. A key action remains in the review of the 30 years of implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and Political Declaration: recommitment, accountability and resourcing. This includes implementing comprehensive strategies in partnership with women’s rights organizations, allocating necessary budgets, and actively reporting on progress to end impunity and prevent violence against women and girls, with a particular urgency regarding its most extreme manifestation: femicide,” he added.
UN Women, in partnership with the Government of Kenya, civil society organizations, and development partners, continues to prioritize actions to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and femicide. UN Women is committed to:
- Policy and Legal Frameworks: Supporting the reform, implementation and enforcement of laws and policies that protect women and girls, including the above-mentioned legislation and National Action Plans in line with International and Regional Conventions.
- Service Delivery: Strengthening survivor-centred services, including healthcare, psychosocial support, legal aid, and shelter services, to ensure survivors are supported every step of the way and perpetrators held to account.
- Community Engagement: Mobilizing communities to challenge harmful norms and behaviours that perpetuate violence.
- Economic Empowerment: Empowering women and girls to reduce their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.