Refugees in Kenya’s Dadaab and Kakuma camps joined the global movement to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through vibrant cultural expressions during the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV. This campaign, which runs annually from November 25 to December 10, serves as a global call to action against violence targeting women and girls. The events in these refugee camps underscored not only the need for international solidarity but also the strength of communities fighting for safer, more inclusive spaces in the face of adversity.
The opening event in Dadaab was a testament to the courage and determination of displaced communities. A sea of refugees and host community members gathered, celebrating cultural pride through traditional dances, music, and spoken word performances. These performances carried powerful messages calling for an end to GBV and showcased the refugees’ collective will to eradicate violence in all forms. One of the event organizers emphasized, “This is not just a refugee issue; this is a global issue.”
Echoing this sentiment, the refugees in Kakuma, located in northern Kenya, also came together to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. Through impassioned speeches and community gatherings, they reinforced the message that GBV is a pervasive problem that transcends borders, particularly in crisis-affected regions like refugee camps.
The involvement of refugees, host communities, and humanitarian partners in these campaigns is part of a broader effort to combat GBV, which remains a significant challenge in conflict zones globally. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi addressed the pressing issue, stating, “In a world facing multiple crises, women bear the brunt.” He highlighted the ongoing violence against women and girls in crisis zones such as Sudan, where displacement due to conflict exacerbates the vulnerability of women and children.
Recent reports from the United Nations and humanitarian organizations paint a grim picture of the escalating levels of GBV in conflict areas. The situation in Sudan, where thousands of women and girls have suffered sexual violence amidst the ongoing conflict, serves as a stark reminder of the need for urgent global action. UNHCR Regional Director Mamadou Dian Balde reflected on the harrowing experiences of displaced women and girls, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and support in these difficult times. “Too often, displaced women and girls bear the brunt of conflicts like Sudan,” Balde said, urging the international community to step up its efforts to protect and support survivors of GBV.
While these accounts are deeply distressing, they also shed light on the resilience of women who are taking a stand against GBV in their communities. Refugees and displaced women are increasingly becoming leaders in advocating for their rights and supporting other survivors. Despite the barriers they face, including limited access to justice and resources, these women are working to build a future free from violence.
In Kenya, where refugees face similar challenges, GBV continues to be a pervasive issue. A recent report by UN Women highlighted that 45 percent of women and girls in Kenya experience physical or sexual violence. Nairobi, along with other urban centers, has seen a disturbing rise in intimate partner violence. Meanwhile, rural areas face additional challenges, including cultural barriers that hinder access to justice for survivors.
Alarmingly, children are increasingly vulnerable to sexual violence, with statistics showing a troubling rise in attacks against minors. This highlights the need for continued advocacy, support services, and education to break the cycle of violence. The events in Dadaab and Kakuma were not only a call to action but a reminder that eradicating GBV is not just a humanitarian goal—it is a global imperative.
The solidarity shown by the refugees in Kenya, along with their host communities and humanitarian partners, sends a powerful message: the fight against GBV is a shared responsibility that requires united action at the local, national, and international levels. As the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV come to a close, the resolve of these communities serves as an inspiration to the world to stand up, speak out, and work together to end violence against women and girls for good.
