As Parliament resumed its session on February 13 after recess, anticipation gripped its corridors.
Among the flurry of activity and political jostling, a somber truth looms large over the legislative agenda—the haunting specter of femicide.
It's not just about political maneuvers; it's about the lives and safety of women teetering on the edge of peril.
Femicide, a term heavy with tragedy and injustice, isn't confined to the realm of women's issues; it's a societal crisis clamoring for urgent intervention from those in power.
In this pivotal moment, the collective outcry of the people must transform into concrete legislative action—a clarion call echoing through the halls of power, proclaiming zero tolerance for violence against women.
Within the heart of this tumult lies a coalition's impassioned plea for action against femicide.
Their demands aren't mere words on paper; they're the cries of those fighting for justice.
They call for a Presidential Declaration of Violence Against Women and Femicide, recognizing it as a national emergency warranting immediate and ongoing attention.
They advocate for the creation of a Commission on the Elimination of Femicide and Violence Against Women and Girls—a beacon of hope for systemic change in a landscape fraught with despair.
Crucial to this battle is the bolstering of resources for the State Department of Gender—a lifeline for monitoring government commitments and spearheading prevention efforts.
An Executive Order proclaiming zero tolerance for violence against women must be more than just rhetoric; it must be a promise backed by action, including the swift removal of accused officials from their positions of power.
Legislation, too, must reflect the gravity and misogynistic nature of femicide and violence against women.
It must speak in clear, unwavering terms, embedding stringent penalties within the fabric of the Penal Code.
Policy reforms are imperative, ensuring that survivors and victims' families receive the comprehensive support they so desperately need.
But amidst the clamour for change, one fundamental truth remains—data.
Accurate, comprehensive data is the bedrock upon which effective policies are built.
The call for inclusive frameworks, driven by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, reverberates with the promise of a brighter, safer future.
It's a commitment to transparency, to accountability, and to the unyielding pursuit of justice.
And so, as the Parliament prepares to reconvene, the weight of expectation hangs heavy in the air.
This session isn't just about politics; it's about humanity.
It's about standing up, speaking out, and saying "enough is enough."
May this be the moment when leaders rise to the occasion. Where the echoes of silence are replaced by the resounding chorus of progress.
May it be the beginning of a new chapter—one where femicide is but a distant memory and every woman can walk free from fear.
Valerie Aura Oluoch is a Nguvu Change Leader, currently advocating for safe houses where victims of GBV can be isolated and supported to rebuild their lives.
