Let's create visibility in fight against SGBV – Judge Kavedza

Why should we be talking about something that should not be happening in the society? This was the question posed by Kibera High Court Judge Diana Kavedza on Thursday.

She spoke during a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence sensitisation forum at the court grounds.

She also pointed out that no one has the authority or should have the courage to sexually abuse another person.

The sensitisation programme began on November 25, kicked off by the UN Women.

The UN-wide campaign was marked in the form of 16 days of activism against SGBV, which are set to end on Sunday, December 10.

Over the days, various institutions have united to sensitize the public under the year's theme, "Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls".

Kibera Law Courts has not been left behind and on Thursday Judge Kavedza said it is time to create visibility.

This is so the court is associated with being at the forefront of the fight against SGBV, which will help deter such abuses in the area.

"We want to raise that awareness. We want to empower the magistrates, the investigating officers and the local communities," she said.

"So that wherever you are, when you see something happening all you need to say is, 'Tutakupeleka Kibera', and they raise their hands."

She highlighted the importance of uniting as a community to help the women and girls facing sexual abuse either due to cultural practices or otherwise.

"Unless we unite, we are not going to prevent and deter these people from committing the offences," Kavedza said.

She urged the residents of Kibera and Kenyans at large, to be on high alert on issues of Gender Based Violence and report them on time.

This is to help ease the investigations into the offences and subsequent prosecution, to ensure that justice is achieved.

Present for the event were Chief Magistrate Ann Mwangi, representatives from the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, police, Nairobi Women's Hospital and the area assistant chief Asia Suleiman.

Members of the Legal Resources Foundation were also present.

The officials urged the public to stay vigilant and aware of GBV cases, which are on the rise during the festive season and raise alarm when necessary.

In case you are a victim of SGBV or know one of them, you can reach for help through; the National Helpline (1195), Child Helpline (116) and Fida SMS platform (21661).

Other channels are Red Cross Society (0703037000), Police (112/999) and ODPP (0722206958).