The Kenyan government is taking decisive steps to address the alarming rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with the establishment of a sustainable fund, as announced by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. This initiative, driven by the Office of the Women’s Rights Advisor, seeks to provide comprehensive care for survivors and support government programs and campaigns aimed at combating GBV. As Mudavadi emphasized during the launch of the “Safe Homes Safe Spaces” initiative in Kakamega, GBV is not just a harmful social issue but a significant economic problem, costing economies up to 4% of national output. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to creating a safer country for all by addressing the root causes of GBV and providing robust support to its victims.
Challenges in Addressing GBV
GBV remains a major violation of women’s human rights, as well as a criminal and social issue. Mudavadi’s remarks highlighted the recent spike in cases of violence against women, particularly intimate partner violence, which he linked to a breakdown in societal values and glaring gender inequalities. According to a recent report by UN Women, nearly one in three women globally experience violence in their lifetime, with Africa recording the highest number of femicide cases in 2022. The report also noted that Africa had the largest absolute and relative numbers of female intimate partner and family-related killings in 2023. This underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to tackle this crisis.
The economic impact of GBV is profound, affecting not only individual victims but also the broader economy. Mudavadi pointed out that GBV not only causes physical and emotional harm but also disrupts the labor force and restricts women’s participation in education and the workforce. By limiting economic opportunities for women, GBV perpetuates cycles of poverty and hampers national development. The establishment of a sustainable fund, he noted, would be instrumental in mitigating these economic impacts by providing financial support to survivors and ensuring they can rebuild their lives.
Safe Homes, Safe Spaces Initiative
The “Safe Homes Safe Spaces” initiative, led by Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights Harriette Chiggai, seeks to reduce sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through a combination of awareness campaigns, advocacy, and legal reforms. The initiative will run for three years and focus on systemic challenges such as domestic violence, violence against children, and harmful practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Chiggai emphasized the importance of community engagement, noting that over 11 million women in Kenya 20% of the population have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime, with 2.8 million cases reported in the past year alone. The initiative aims to create safer environments for all Kenyans, particularly women and children.
A significant component of the initiative is the role of GBV and FGM Working Groups in all 47 counties, which coordinate responses to gender-based violence at the local level. These groups are crucial in ensuring that services are accessible and tailored to the needs of each community. The collaboration between these working groups and key transport sector players, such as boda boda (motorcycle taxi) operators, is particularly noteworthy. This partnership promotes road safety while raising public awareness about GBV, emphasizing the need for safe spaces for women and children on public transport.
Strengthening Legal and Support Structures
The launch of the “Safe Homes Safe Spaces” initiative also coincided with a call for enhanced legal protections for GBV victims. Chiggai highlighted the importance of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act, 2018, which extends protections to online offenses, including cyberbullying, harassment, and sextortion. This is crucial in an increasingly digital world where perpetrators can use technology as a tool of violence. The Victim Protection Act provides further safeguards, including witness protection measures and the use of witness protection boxes in court for vulnerable individuals, allowing them to participate in legal proceedings without fear of retaliation.
Mudavadi emphasized the need for a united effort in eradicating GBV, urging all Kenyans, including faith-based organizations, parents, teachers, civil society, and the public, to take responsibility for addressing this crisis. “It is time for all Kenyans to say, enough is enough!” he declared, stressing the importance of confronting social and cultural stigma associated with GBV and ensuring proper funding for anti-GBV programs. The government’s commitment to this issue is not just about policy; it’s about creating a supportive environment where survivors feel safe to come forward and where perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Conclusion
The establishment of a sustainable GBV fund and the launch of the “Safe Homes Safe Spaces” initiative are critical steps in the fight against gender-based violence in Kenya. These measures reflect the government’s recognition of the need for a comprehensive approach one that includes not only legal and financial support but also community engagement and public awareness campaigns. By addressing GBV at its root and ensuring survivors have the support they need, Kenya can move towards a safer, more inclusive society for all its citizens. As Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi stated, “It is time for change, and we must all play our part to make it happen.”
