By A, KNA
As a measure to address the rising cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Molo Sub-County, a non-governmental organisation, Groots Kenya has issued a clarion call to women to up their game in containing the abuses in the society.
The organization is pushing women to take the lead role in championing for the rights of the victims of GBV by reporting such cases to ensure justice was served and perpetrators sanctioned for the crime.
Speaking at Molo Children’s office, Groots Kenya Chairperson Wairimu Kanyiri challenged women to rise to the occasion and fight for their rights and the rights of children.
Wairimu called on the society not to give a blind eye to challenges resulting from GBV noting that it is the main course to the recent cases of high poverty index, school dropout and early marriages which has continued to rock the society.
“When the society gives a blind eye to the matters of Gender Based Violence, women and children are left on the receiving end. This is why in Groots Kenya we have risen to sensitize and empower women on their rights so that they can speak out whenever they are violated,” she noted.
“We must give women power in all spheres; from leadership, education and useful opinion shaping in the community. This is the only way as a society we will attain the 2/3 gender rule and have a meaningful society which gives equal opportunities to all,” she added.
She applauded the government through chiefs and the church for standing firm against FGM and GBV which had caused isolation for the women gender in the society.
“Groots Kenya together with the government and church has played a vital role in ensuring women have a say in the society besides them getting education and employment, something which was unheard of in 19th century,” she added.
A children officer at Molo Children’s office Fredrick Mutiti urged the society to approach GBV with an open mind and include the boy child as they are struggling with homosexuality, sodomy, and other related sexual abuse issues in silence.
Mutiti added that as a department they remain committed in mitigating cases of GBV and children abuse which has deprived many children an opportunity to attain their full potential.
“As a department we are working with all departments including police, faith-based organizations and other non-state actors in ensuring matters relating to children are addressed with seriousness that they deserve,” noted Mutiti.
He urged the Judiciary to address the GBV related cases urgently to ensure victims get justice on time as they embark on the healing journey