Civil society and gender-based violence (GBV) activist Shamalla Immaculate has called on both county and national governments to allocate more funds toward the fight against GBV, particularly in Western Kenya. Speaking in Kocholia, Teso North Sub-County, during a one-day training session on gender-sensitive reporting for journalists, Immaculate emphasized the urgency of addressing GBV issues, highlighting their link to poverty and inadequate civic education.
She underscored the pivotal role journalists play in setting the agenda for social change, describing them as “the eyes and mirrors of the community.” According to Immaculate, the media is essential not only in amplifying GBV cases but also in offering solutions that can foster safer environments for all genders.
“Journalists play a crucial role in informing society and encouraging the community to instigate change,” she noted. “Another important aspect of journalism is education, which empowers citizens to engage with civic issues and public participation, reversing the trend that has seen Western Kenya lead in GBV cases.”
Inadequate Funding and Leadership Responsibility
Immaculate expressed concern over the inadequate budgeting for GBV initiatives and questioned whether leaders were fully addressing these challenges. She pointed out that tackling GBV effectively requires well-funded programs, active community involvement, and strategic media campaigns.
Busia County recently hosted the final phase of the 16 Days of Activism, which included training journalists to highlight GBV cases and advocate for increased budgets. The campaign, which began in Trans Nzoia County, underscored the importance of media collaboration with stakeholders to address GBV comprehensively.
Expanding Focus to Men and Boys
While much of the GBV discourse traditionally centers on women and girls, Belinda Ondisa, Program Manager at the Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (FPFK), emphasized the need to shift focus to men and boys as victims. She lamented the lack of statistics on GBV cases involving males, attributing this to societal stigma and a patriarchal culture that discourages men from reporting abuse.
“Our society is patriarchal, traditionally focusing on empowering women and girls,” Ondisa remarked. “However, there is a paradigm shift as men and boys increasingly become victims of GBV. This highlights the need to empower them as well.”
Boda Boda Riders as Champions Against GBV
Boda boda riders, often key players in providing transport for GBV victims, were recognized as potential champions in the fight against the vice. Andrew Imojir, a rider, attributed the underreporting of GBV cases involving men and boys to stigma, noting that many men view reporting violations as taboo.
Another rider, Geoffrey Marago, highlighted the domestic strains that could lead to GBV. He pointed out instances where mothers prioritize children’s school fees over other family expenses, such as Christmas shopping, leading to conflicts that escalate into violence.
Societal Impact and Ethical Reporting
Immaculate stressed that gender-sensitive reporting must be ethical, inclusive, and empowering. She urged journalists to avoid using demeaning or gender-blind language that could perpetuate stereotypes. Highlighting the significance of journalism in shaping public perception, she noted that ethical reporting amplifies the voices of marginalized groups and fosters social transformation.
The journalist training sessions in Western Kenya aimed to address these gaps by equipping media professionals with tools to report on GBV comprehensively and ethically. Immaculate thanked journalists in Busia for their dedication to covering GBV cases and urged the government to create a secure environment for media operations.
Broader Societal Challenges
Dennis Wafula of FPFK pointed to rising suicide rates among men, partly driven by societal pressures and demands from women. He stressed the need for community education to reverse these trends, urging men and women alike to engage in dialogue and collaboration to foster healthier relationships.
The fight against GBV in Western Kenya, as reiterated by activists and stakeholders, requires collective efforts, increased funding, and an inclusive approach that recognizes all victims, regardless of gender. By addressing stigma and empowering communities, the region can take meaningful steps toward reducing GBV and its profound societal impacts.
