The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has called for a united front to combat the rising tide of gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls, urging government institutions, civil society, and media organizations to work together in fostering a safer environment. This plea came as KEWOPA launched the 16 Days of Activism campaign, an annual event aimed at raising awareness and advocating for the elimination of violence against women and girls.
Speaking during a sensitization campaign at Kileleshwa Primary School, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, who is also an official of KEWOPA, emphasized the importance of collective efforts in addressing systemic issues contributing to GBV. “By addressing systemic challenges and ensuring accountability, we can create a safer society for women and girls,” she said, highlighting that both legal and social frameworks need strengthening to protect vulnerable individuals.
KEWOPA, which comprises women parliamentarians from both the National Assembly and the Senate, has been at the forefront of pushing for women’s rights in Kenya. Their call for collaboration was not only focused on legal reforms but also on addressing modern challenges like digital abuse. “The rise in digital abuse targeting women is a critical concern. We must advocate for enhanced online safety measures and ensure that laws are in place to protect women from online harassment,” Elachi added.
The issue of digital abuse, including cyberbullying, online stalking, and harassment, has gained prominence in recent years as more women have become active online. The MPs stressed the need for laws that are responsive to these digital threats and urged increased efforts to enforce them.
Another pressing issue highlighted by Elachi was the need to address female genital mutilation (FGM), which still persists in some communities. KEWOPA is calling for greater awareness-raising campaigns in such areas and stronger legal frameworks to hold perpetrators of such harmful practices accountable.
As part of the broader effort to combat GBV, Elachi also pointed out the need for platforms where survivors and activists can share their stories and advocate for gender-responsive solutions. She stressed that it is essential for lawmakers, policymakers, and grassroots organizations to work together to ensure that existing laws are not only enforced but also regularly reviewed to address emerging challenges.
Valerie Aura, a survivor of GBV, shared her personal experience, pleading with the government to provide safe houses for women and girls who have suffered from violence. Aura, who left an abusive home as a young girl with her sisters and mother, emphasized the need for support systems for survivors. “GBV survivors need safe houses,” she stated. “I am a survivor who walked out of a violent home. I left as a young girl, together with my sisters and mother.”
Aura also encouraged women who have faced abuse to come forward and speak out against violence. She expressed her gratitude for the presence of men in the campaign, calling it an important step in changing societal attitudes towards GBV. “I am glad that we have a lot of men with us here in this campaign. This is the way to go,” she said, recognizing the role of men in ending the culture of silence surrounding GBV.
Elachi also urged parents to play a more active role in preventing violence against children, particularly through oversight of their social circles. “Let your children show you their friends; do not just assume they are in good company,” she advised. By taking an active role in understanding who their children interact with, parents can help reduce the risks of violence both in the home and in the broader community.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign, which began on November 25 and runs until December 10, serves as an important reminder of the urgent need to address gender-based violence in all its forms. The call for collaboration from KEWOPA underscores that ending GBV requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society, with strong laws, policies, and support systems for survivors. With MPs like Beatrice Elachi and survivors like Valerie Aura leading the charge, the hope is that Kenya can make significant strides towards ending gender-based violence and creating a safer future for women and girls across the country.
