Gender activists demonstrating in Nairobi ….Photo/Courtesy.
By I.P. reporter.
Despite legislative milestones, Kenya continues to grapple with pervasive issues undermining the rights of women and girls.
Gender-based violence (GBV), entrenched cultural practices like female genital mutilation (FGM), early marriages, and economic disparities persist, challenging the country’s commitment to gender equality.
However, a new wave of advocacy and reforms spearheaded by women leaders is shedding light on these critical issues, urging action at all levels.
Persistent Challenges.
1. Gender-Based Violence:
GBV affects millions of Kenyan women, with nearly half reporting physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lives.
Migori County remains a hotspot, with a GBV prevalence rate of 51%—far above the national average of 34%.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic violence cases surged, overwhelming support systems.
Survivors face challenges in accessing justice due to stigma, underfunded legal aid, and backlogged courts.
While the establishment of specialized GBV courts has been transformative, only a few counties, like Migori, have these services operational.
2. Harmful Cultural Practices:
Although outlawed in 2011, FGM remains widespread, particularly in rural areas and along Kenya’s borders.
A report by UNICEF found that FGM rates are as high as 78% in certain pastoralist communities.
Cross-border migration for the procedure has also complicated enforcement.
Early marriages are another issue, with poverty forcing many families to marry off young daughters.
This denies girls the right to education and often exposes them to early pregnancies and GBV.
3. Education and Economic Disparities:
Girls in marginalized communities are less likely to complete their education due to cultural biases, insecurity, and poverty.
While enrollment rates have improved nationwide, dropout rates remain high in arid and semi-arid regions.
Economic empowerment programs targeting women and girls also suffer from insufficient funding, leaving them vulnerable to cycles of poverty and exploitation.
Women Leaders Championing Change.
Kenya’s women leaders are actively working to bridge the gap between policy and practice:
Catherine Wambilianga, Bungoma Woman Representative, has mobilized grassroots campaigns and partnered with NGOs to raise awareness about FGM and GBV.
Her efforts focus on empowering survivors with access to justice and rehabilitation.
Harriette Chiggai, the President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights, is driving systemic reforms and advocating for an inclusive economic and political framework to uplift women【23】.
Martha Koome, Kenya’s first female Chief Justice, has introduced frameworks like the Social Transformation Through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint.
This includes specialized GBV courts and community outreach programs to improve access to justice for survivors.
Millie Odhiambo, Suba North MP, continues to champion legal reforms targeting harmful cultural practices and ensuring young girls stay in school.
Sabina Chege and Esther Passaris have been vocal advocates for women’s economic empowerment and access to healthcare, often linking GBV awareness with broader empowerment campaigns.
The Role of Grassroots and Advocacy Movements.
Grassroots organizations, often in partnership with these leaders, play a pivotal role in breaking cultural barriers. For example:
Programs such as Amref Health Africa’s anti-FGM initiative have reached over 3,000 communities, teaching alternatives to FGM through mentorship and education.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed annually, amplifies awareness and pressurizes governments to act.
Last year, over 200,000 individuals joined campaigns across counties to call for stricter law enforcement and better support services.
Kangaroo Courts: A Major Setback.
In many rural and marginalized areas, informal arbitration—commonly referred to as kangaroo courts—continues to undermine justice for GBV survivors.
Elders often mediate cases, prioritizing reconciliation over prosecution.
This denies survivors access to formal legal systems and perpetuates impunity for offenders.
In Migori and Narok counties, over 60% of GBV cases are reportedly handled through such informal setups, with few reaching formal courts.
Impact of the 16 Days of Activism.
The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence serves as a crucial platform for raising awareness and encouraging collective action.
Advocacy during this period often results in increased funding for survivor support services and greater political pressure to enforce existing laws.
However, experts argue that for the activism to have lasting effects, it must extend beyond the 16-day window and include year-round community engagement.
A Call for Collective Action.
Kenya’s fight against GBV and inequality is at a pivotal moment.
The continued advocacy of women leaders, coupled with grassroots action, has created a foundation for progress. However, bridging the gap between policy and practice requires:
Strengthening Legal Systems: Expanding specialized GBV courts across all counties to ensure timely justice.
Funding and Infrastructure: Increasing support for women’s shelters, legal aid centers, and educational programs.
Public Education: Introducing gender equality topics in schools to challenge cultural biases early.
Economic Empowerment: Scaling up initiatives that provide financial resources and training to women in marginalized regions.
Ending GBV and promoting gender equality will not only transform the lives of women and girls but will also catalyze Kenya’s development.
By investing in their safety and empowerment, the country can secure a just and equitable future for all.
Ends.
