Femicide has recently been declared a national crisis in Kenya. Harriette Chiggai, the President’s advisor on women’s rights, highlighted this urgent issue, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackle femicide as a severe national security concern. Chiggai’s statements echo the deepening concern over the alarming frequency of femicide, with reports indicating that nearly one woman is killed every day. This distressing reality has prompted a swift response from the government, which is now working on initiatives to create safe spaces for women and girls across the country.
A Troubling Trend of Violence
The statistics shared by Chiggai, drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), are harrowing. In the past three months alone, approximately 97 women have lost their lives due to femicide, translating to almost one woman being murdered each day. This stark number lays bare a disturbing trend that threatens not only the lives of women but also the nation’s overall security and stability. Chiggai stressed that the country cannot allow this trend to continue unchecked, calling for immediate and decisive action.
Gender-based violence (GBV), especially femicide, has escalated into a social emergency that demands urgent intervention. This crisis has spurred conversations at all levels of society, from government bodies and corporations to communities, as leaders rally together to confront the roots of this violence. To address this pervasive issue, Chiggai organized a breakfast meeting for women leaders from both the corporate and government sectors, gathering support ahead of the national launch of “safe homes and safe spaces” scheduled for December. This initiative aims to establish environments where women can live, work, and thrive without the fear of violence or discrimination.
National Security Implications and Societal Action
Recognizing femicide as a threat to national security marks a shift in how the government approaches the issue. Previously, gender-based violence was often viewed as a social problem that could be managed through community-based initiatives. Now, the Kenyan government sees it as a criminal matter, acknowledging that protecting women’s lives is crucial to ensuring the safety and stability of the entire nation. Ambassador Monica Juma, the President’s advisor on security, emphasized the need for stringent laws and policies to safeguard women against violence, noting that the dangers women face extend beyond physical threats to include the online environment.
Chiggai further emphasized that ending femicide and GBV requires a collective societal effort. She called on Kenyans to remain vigilant about any signs of violence around them, urging citizens to report cases of violence against women to authorities. “One life lost is one too many,” she stated, adding that every Kenyan must play a role in creating a safe society. She highlighted how children and young women have increasingly become victims, often without knowledge of the dangers lurking in certain spaces. This is why, according to Chiggai, society must actively work to build and maintain safe environments for all women and girls.
16 Days of Activism: Mobilizing Resources for Women’s Protection
During the annual “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” which is observed globally from November 25 to December 10, Chiggai’s office will work with key institutions to reinforce protections for women. This initiative includes mobilizing resources to support gender desks at police stations and health facilities to ensure that women who report gender-based violence cases receive the necessary support and that cases are followed up adequately. By strengthening these resources, the government aims to ensure that women have safe and accessible channels to report violence, receive medical attention, and pursue justice.
In a country where social and economic barriers often limit access to such services, these gender desks represent an essential step towards bridging the gap. Chiggai’s initiative also includes developing guidelines for the protection of women, laying out practical measures that both law enforcement and health institutions can adopt to combat femicide and GBV effectively. Strengthening these protective mechanisms sends a message that the government is serious about safeguarding women’s lives and ending the cycle of violence.
The Safe Homes and Safe Spaces Campaign
In early December, Kenya will see the launch of a national campaign on safe homes and safe spaces, starting in Kakamega. This program focuses on fostering secure environments where women and girls can lead lives free from fear. The campaign also targets key groups, such as boda boda riders (motorcycle taxi operators), who play a significant role in community dynamics and are often present in both urban and rural settings. By engaging these groups in the fight against GBV, the campaign hopes to establish allies in creating safe spaces for women throughout the country.
The creation of safe spaces represents more than just physical safety. These environments aim to empower women economically and socially, allowing them to participate fully in all areas of life. National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei underscored the importance of such spaces, calling for protections for women across all sectors so they can work, lead, and thrive without fear. She also stressed the need for accountability, urging government institutions to promote women in leadership and other roles, creating a foundation for a more equitable society.
Uniting for a Safer Kenya
The fight against femicide and gender-based violence calls for an all-hands-on-deck approach, with leaders like Chiggai urging every Kenyan to take part. When women are safe, Chiggai noted, the nation is secure. This reflects a broader understanding of national security as something that extends beyond the conventional parameters of law enforcement and military defense to encompass the social safety of all citizens. By recognizing women’s safety as integral to the nation’s well-being, Kenya is setting a precedent that other nations may follow.
