Gender-based violence is a systemic social problem that has been bedevilling Kenya since time immemorial largely due to gender inequality.
It is triggered by the unequal and unfair distribution of opportunities, resources, capital, and power in our communities.
GBV has been taking place in the private and public spaces and it comes with a culture of silence.
Many GBV survivors always struggle to report the abuse, especially when perpetrated by the people they trust the most.
Sadly, many GBV survivors have limited information on the reporting pathway which denies them a chance to enjoy optimal and comprehensive Sexual Reproductive Health services.
Gender-based violence is categorised as among the triple threat mostly affecting girls and women disproportionately in Kenya.
A survey conducted by United Women in 2020 showed that 20 per cent of women and 10 per cent of men lost their sources of livelihood during the pandemic.
This shows that women's vulnerability to GBV skyrocketed during the pandemic. Even during the post-Covid-19 era, GBV remains alarming.
In a survey undertaken by the National Crime Research Centre on the prevalence of GBV during the pandemic, the number of GBV cases recorded between January and June 2020 rose by 92.2 per cent compared with those between January and December the previous year.
In 2021, 12,250 cases of sexual gender-based violence were reported. 2022 could be worse in terms of increased GBV cases with the political campaigns, elections and the high cost of living.
Kenya made a commitment to end all forms of GBV by 2026.
The citizens should keep the government accountable to implement the 12 action commitments under the generational equality forum.
By the end of this year, the government promised full implementation of GBV laws and policies, introducing a module on GBV in the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey, developing a GBV management and information system and integrating GBV services.
Keep your word and end GBV.
Team leader for Angaza Youth Initiative
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
