- Femicide, the targeted killing of women because of their gender, is a brutal manifestation of the broader issue of gender-based violence.
- It's a chilling reminder of the vulnerability faced by countless women around the world.
Image: FILE
As Kenyans celebrate Valentine's Day, a day traditionally associated with love and affection, it's imperative to shift our focus from superficial symbols of love to a profound call for solidarity, justice, and equality.
The glittering facade of romance should not blind us to the harsh truth that many women face daily threats of violence simply because of their gender.
Femicide, the targeted killing of women because of their gender, is a brutal manifestation of the broader issue of gender-based violence.
It's a chilling reminder of the vulnerability faced by countless women around the world.
In Kenya, this epidemic has reached alarming levels, leaving behind shattered families and communities mourning the loss of their loved ones.
This year, let's use Valentine's Day as more than just a celebration of romantic love. Let it be a day of reckoning, a day when we come together to confront the scourge of femicide head-on.
This is not a call to boycott love but a plea to redefine it, ensuring that every woman can embrace this day without fear. Let the conversation shift from hearts and roses to one that challenges societal norms, demanding justice, and fostering a future where love is not tainted by violence.
As we exchange chocolates and roses, let's also exchange vows of solidarity with the victims of femicide and their families.
Let's pledge to dismantle the toxic structures that perpetuate violence against women and girls. Let's challenge harmful gender stereotypes, combat misogyny and patriarchy, and create a society where every woman can live without fear.
But our solidarity doesn't end there. This Valentine's Day, let's also express our love for our country and the unity of its people by committing to making it safer for everyone.
The history EndFemicideKe National March that happened in January showcased the love for all women in Kenya most profoundly!
Let's continue working towards a Kenya where justice, safety, empowerment, and equality are not just ideals but lived realities for all.
Together, let's honour the sisters we've lost to femicide and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those who continue to fight for justice.
Let's reclaim Valentine's Day as a celebration of love in its truest sense—a love that encompasses empathy, compassion, and a fierce commitment to making the world a better place for all.
In the face of darkness, let our love shine brightly as a beacon of hope and change.
This Valentine's Day, let's show that love knows no bounds-it transcends romance and extends to our collective responsibility to create a world free from violence and discrimination.
It's time to say no to femicide and yes to a future where love reigns supreme in all its forms.
Harriet Afandi is a Nguvu Change Leader, currently championing two online advocacy campaigns titled Justice for Judy Wambui and The Women of Kiambu county and Accelerate OBV Legislation in Kenya