Efforts to curb gender-based violence (GBV) intensified in Gatundu on Tuesday as local leaders, youth groups and community organisations launched a grassroots campaign to educate residents on prevention, reporting and available support services.
The sensitisation forum, held in Gatundu town, brought together officers from the State Department for Gender, local administrators, youth advocates and community health promoters in a coordinated effort to address domestic violence and harmful cultural practices in the constituency.
The campaign comes at a time when GBV remains a major national concern.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS 2022), 34 percent of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, while 13 percent have faced sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.
Government records further show that more than 8,000 GBV cases were reported nationally in 2021, with women accounting for over 90 percent of the survivors, according to the State Department for Gender.
Data from the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) shows that Kiambu County reported about 137 new cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in 2023, accounting for 34 per cent of all cases reported nationally.
The number has risen from 18 cases in 2016, pointing to a sharp increase over the last seven year. A 2024 Agile 2.0 survey in Kiambu further indicates that one in four women with an intimate partner (25.8 per cent) experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence in the past year, while nearly half (47.4 per cent) reported some form of sexual harassment.
Speaking during the event, Director of Social Services Ms Mary Kirobi emphasised the importance of community involvement in stopping violence.
“Our homes are safer when everyone plays their part. Early reporting and supporting survivors can save lives. I urge residents to protect children, women and other vulnerable groups,” she said.
Ms.Olympia Venazio, from the State Department for Gender said the sensitization drive is aimed at strengthening public understanding of rights and improving referral pathways for survivors. She noted that stigma, fear and limited awareness remain major contributors to underreporting.
“Many cases go unreported because survivors fear stigma or do not know where to seek help. Strengthening awareness is essential,” she said.
She added that the community must play an active role in breaking cycles of abuse.
“We want community members to know that assistance exists and that survivors should not suffer in silence. Reporting is the first step to protection and justice,” she said.
Participants at the forum expressed optimism that the initiative would promote safer households and equip young people with the skills to recognise and respond to early signs of abuse. Beneficiary Mary Wanjiru said the training broadened her understanding of the community’s responsibility.
“The training helped me understand the importance of recognising early warning signs and the community’s role in preventing abuse,” she said.
Youth groups present at the forum pledged to extend sensitization activities to schools, churches and community gatherings, noting that GBV affects all genders and abilities.
“GBV affects women, men, boys and persons with disabilities. Prevention is a shared responsibility,” a youth representative said.
Local administrators encouraged residents to embrace peaceful methods of conflict resolution and report cases promptly to authorities.
“We urge residents to use dialogue, resolve conflicts peacefully and report incidents promptly to authorities,” one administrator said.
The event was part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign held annually from November 25 to December 10. Launched in 1991 by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, the campaign mobilises governments, civil society and communities worldwide to raise awareness, strengthen protection systems and advocate for survivors’ rights.
The sensitisation drive will continue across villages in Gatundu over the coming weeks, with organisers calling on residents to participate actively and help build a community free from violence.
By Njoroge Gladys
