- Exposure to gender-based violence and sexual coercion significantly increases the risk of early sexual debut among girls and women.
- Individuals who have been forced to engage in sexual activities are not only vulnerable to transactional sex but also face an increased risk of engaging in unprotected sex.
Image: HANDOUT
Despite commendable efforts by various stakeholders to combat gender-based violence (GBV), it remains a persistent global challenge.
The staggering global prevalence of GBV is underscored by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global estimates on violence against women, revealing that nearly one in three women worldwide has experienced one or more forms of GBV, encompassing physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse.
A recent study by the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Miss Koch Kenya, and the Directorate of Children’s Services, Nairobi County that explored the lived experiences of pregnant and parenting adolescents in Korogocho, Nairobi, found out that nearly half (48.8%) of the girls experienced physical, emotional, and sexual violence, with one in four girls experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV).
Over the last few years, the shocking and tragic deaths of young women as a result of IPV, with more than 100 young women dying this year in Kenya, according to Femicidecount Kenya, has sent shockwaves through the nation, bringing to light the urgent need to address gender-based violence.
The heartbreaking story of Ivy Wangeci, a medical student who was hacked to death in 2019 by her then-boyfriend Naftali over unresolved issues, finally reached closure on December 14, 2023. The court sentenced Naftali to 40 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to committing the crime.
This tragic incident is just one example that highlights the alarming prevalence of IPV cases.
Unfortunately, many other similar cases remain unresolved, leaving the families of the slain young girls without answers or justice.
Exposure to gender-based violence and sexual coercion significantly increases the risk of early sexual debut among girls and women.
Individuals who have been forced to engage in sexual activities are not only vulnerable to transactional sex but also face an increased risk of engaging in unprotected sex.
Gender-based violence is not confined to adults, children are also gravely affected.
Recent data indicates an alarming rise in violence against children across Africa.
A study conducted by the African Partnership to End Violence against Children (APEVAC) reveals that more than half of all children in Africa experience physical abuse, while in some parts of the continent, four in 10 girls suffer from sexual violence before the age of 15.
According to UNICEF, an estimated 650 million girls and women alive today were married before their 18th birthday, with over 50 million residing in Eastern and Southern Africa. Nearly one-third (32%) of the region's young women were married before age 18.
Further, 20 per cent of girls become pregnant before the age of 20, representing one of the world’s highest rates of adolescent pregnancy.
As we continue the conversation on gender-based violence pos the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign themed 'Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls', it is crucial that we come together as a society to address this pervasive issue and create a safer environment for all.
Kenya has made significant strides in enacting laws and policies to address gender-based violence.
The Constitution of Kenya (2010) guarantees equality, freedom from discrimination, and protection from violence.
Additionally, several specific laws have been enacted to combat gender-based violence, including the Sexual Offences Act (2006), the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act (2015), and the Female Genital Mutilation Act (2011).
These laws provide a legal framework for addressing various forms of gender-based violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, and harmful cultural practices.
They aim to protect victims, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide support services for survivors.
However, despite these legal provisions, challenges persist in their implementation and enforcement.
To address the challenges of GBV, Kenya, through activism, GBV campaigns, and interventions from civil society organizations and other stakeholders, has made strides in the long journey towards combatting GBV.
For instance, the Ukweli Digital Platform, an innovative initiative that uses technology to combat gender-based violence in Kenya, provides a safe space for survivors to share their stories anonymously, access information about available support services, and report incidents of violence.
This platform demonstrates the power of technology in addressing gender-based violence and connecting survivors with vital resources.
By raising awareness, advocating for policy reforms, promoting education and awareness campaigns, and engaging with communities, we can work towards creating a society free from gender-based violence.
Individuals, organizations, and the government must collaborate and take concrete actions to ensure the safety, dignity, and empowerment of all women and girls in Kenya.
Together, we can create a future where gender-based violence is eradicated, and every individual can live a life free from fear and violence.
The writers are advocacy and communications experts in sexual and reproductive health and rights.