The national government has been called upon to introduce educational programs and resources that can contribute to raising awareness of gender-based violence (GBV).
Speaking during a session with the Presidential Technical Working Group on GBV and Femicide at Kisii National Polytechnic in Kisii town, the GBV Committee Chairperson in the institution Deborah Ombachi said there is need to put in place programs that can impart knowledge of GBV to the young people and the society at large.
“We want the education system to open up places to teach the youth about gender-based violence so that we can understand what is happening to us and know how to act,” Ombachi said.
She acknowledged that it was crucial for all state and non-state actors to work together to fight sexual violence in the country.
Elvis Opondo, a student at the institution, noted that culture accelerates GBV citing the case of a husband who beats his wife but the children cannot intervene because of societal norms.
On the other hand, Linda Musimba, a member of the taskforce, affirmed that there is an interconnection between culture and GBV within the society.
“Cultural practices are still a hindrance to the fight against GBV and that’s what we are mostly faced with in our homes,” she said.
In addition, Elvis Ochieng’ who is also a student, urged the relevant authorities to join hands in fighting sexual violence more collectively.
“The government must allocate enough funds to make sure GBV victims are cared for and also create an enabling environment for therapists to help with recovery and reintegration of GBV survivors into society,” Ochieng’ said.
The Presidential Technical Working Group on GBV and Femicide is currently conducting public hearings countrywide as part of the national government’s efforts to combat the vices.
At the Polytechnic, James Nobi led the taskforce in collecting views and experiences of the students on cases of GBV and femicide.
Nobi said the formation of the team became imperative following the alarming increase in the number of GBV and femicide cases in the country.
“His excellency appointed us with terms of reference to do the public sensitisation on GBV issues and to review the current legal and policy framework that is overseeing the system,” he noted.
Nobi revealed that Kisii was among the counties with the highest number of sexual and gender-based violence cases in the country.
On her part, Musimba also explained the concept of violence based on gender and the killing of women to enable the students to understand it.
“Femicide is about women who are killed by those they know, like their husbands or their family members, and it is the society’s responsibility to prevent it,” she said.
By Willis Moturi and Wesonga Dancan
