President William Ruto has taken decisive action against the growing menace of femicide in Kenya by committing Ksh.100 million to the Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign. The initiative, which seeks to combat gender-based violence (GBV), will officially launch during the globally recognized 16 Days of Activism campaign, starting November 25, 2024.
Speaking at State House during a meeting with women leaders, President Ruto emphasized the urgency of addressing gender-based violence, noting the alarming resurgence of femicide cases in recent months. These cases have included gruesome discoveries of female bodies at dump sites and domestic disputes escalating to fatal outcomes.
“Matters of psychological support and safe spaces for women and children are a priority in my office. Through the women’s rights advisor, we are launching a Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign to coincide with the 16 days of activism,” said President Ruto.
Focus on Prevention and Support
The campaign will focus on prevention through education, awareness, and the provision of safe spaces for victims. Recognizing the role of the community in curbing GBV, the president called for parents, schools, churches, and community organizations to offer life skills and guidance to young people, especially in recognizing and addressing abuse.
“Our communities need education on the signs and causes of abuse and the resources available to victims,” he remarked, underlining the importance of early intervention to prevent violence.
The president also expressed concern about social media platforms, which have become avenues for exploitation, particularly of young women. “Social media has become a dangerous avenue for exploitation, and I urge our young people to treat strangers on this platform with utmost caution,” he warned.
Strengthening Institutional Response
To bolster the country’s ability to respond to cases of GBV, President Ruto outlined several measures, including enhancing gender desks at police stations and introducing similar services in hospitals. These desks will aim to provide immediate and specialized support for victims.
“I have instructed the criminal justice actors to execute their mandate without delay, holding perpetrators fully accountable. Gender desks in police stations must be enhanced, and we will introduce gender desk services in hospitals to ensure immediate service for victims,” the president stated.
The government is also ramping up efforts to bring perpetrators to justice. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to act swiftly and decisively against individuals implicated in femicide cases.
Rising Concerns Over Femicide
The president’s intervention comes against the backdrop of a troubling rise in femicide cases, which have dominated recent headlines. These include the horrific cases of women being murdered and their bodies dumped in body bags. Such incidents have highlighted the urgent need for more robust systems to protect women and ensure justice for victims.
The Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign represents a significant step forward in tackling this issue. By focusing on both prevention and support, the campaign seeks to address the root causes of GBV while providing victims with the resources they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
President Ruto concluded his remarks with a call to all sectors of society to unite against GBV. He emphasized that addressing femicide and gender-based violence requires a collective effort from individuals, families, communities, and institutions.
“This is a battle we must win together,” he declared, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society for all.
The president’s proactive stance, supported by significant funding and clear directives, underscores the government’s determination to eradicate femicide and ensure the safety and dignity of women across Kenya.
