In recent years, femicide and gender-based violence (GBV) have become pressing issues, with an alarming rise in cases sparking nationwide debates. In light of this, Kenyan singer Avril has used her platform to speak out about the critical role men must play in combating violence against women. Her call to action resonates with the ongoing need for societal change and the collective responsibility of both men and women to address this growing problem.
Avril’s message, shared through social media, is a heartfelt appeal to men to become allies in the fight against femicide. The singer pointed out that it is not enough for women to bear the burden of addressing gender-based violence alone; men need to be at the forefront of the movement to end it. “I can tell you for a FACT that every woman you know has a story where they’ve felt unsafe, scared, looked at the wrong way, vulnerable, were downright followed, or much worse,” Avril wrote, underlining how pervasive and insidious the issue of violence against women is.
Her statement speaks to a deeper issue: the societal attitudes and inequalities that contribute to the violence. Avril emphasizes that women’s safety is constantly under threat, and they must take extra precautions to navigate daily life. From sharing their location with friends and family to pretending to be on a phone call to avoid unwanted attention, women take measures that should not be necessary in a just and safe society. As Avril poignantly points out, “Every woman you know has either carried an extra jacket, shared her location, pretended to be on a phone call while in a cab, avoided being rude to strangers, stayed hyper-vigilant in public, worn only one earphone, or carried pepper spray.”
This reality of living in constant vigilance is a stark reminder of the threat that women face, often at the hands of men. It’s not just about physical violence; it’s about the daily emotional and psychological toll that women endure, knowing that at any moment they could become victims of violence. Avril paints a vivid picture when she shares, “Every woman you know lives with the constant reminder that it could be them any day. Every woman you know thanks her lucky stars it wasn’t them today.”
The emotional weight of these words is heavy, as it highlights an undeniable truth: women live in a world where the threat of violence is a part of their reality. Avril further emphasizes this by drawing a comparison that speaks to the different ways men and women perceive safety. “When a man sees a shadow on a dark night, they’re scared it could be a ghost. When a woman sees that shadow, they’re scared it could be a man.”
Avril’s appeal also serves as a call to action for men to confront their own behaviors and attitudes towards women. She challenges men to stop seeing gender-based violence as a “women’s issue” and recognize it as a societal issue that affects everyone. Men must step up as allies and agents of change, actively working to dismantle the patriarchal systems that perpetuate violence against women. This includes challenging harmful behaviors, speaking out against misogyny, and supporting initiatives that promote gender equality.
Avril’s words are a reminder that femicide and gender-based violence are not isolated incidents but are symptoms of a larger societal problem. It is not enough for women to protect themselves; the onus is also on men to ensure that women can move through the world without fear. Men must become part of the solution, not the problem.
In conclusion, Avril’s message is a powerful call for men to join the fight against femicide and gender-based violence. The fight is not just for women; it is a fight for a safer, more equitable society for all. As Avril urges, “Gender-based violence is not a women’s issue, it’s everyone’s issue.” Only by working together, with men taking an active role in transforming attitudes and behaviors, can we begin to create a world where women can live free from the constant fear of violence.
