By S, KNA
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in partnership with Kisii County Government joined the rest of the world in marking the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a march across Kisii town to raise awareness on GBV matters.
This year’s theme focuses on ending digital violence against women and girls.
Veronica Naliaka, the Personal Assistant to the County Commissioner, flagged off the procession at the County Commissioner’s offices in Kisii town.
Speaking to the press after the flagging off exercise, Naliaka acknowledged ongoing interventions supporting survivors and reminded participants that meaningful change starts at home.
“I have witnessed a lot of violence against women in Kisii, but I thank God that through sensitization, women have shown up and decided they will not keep silent anymore,” she said.
The PA also called on men to take part in the campaign, noting that men too experience GBV and should seek help in the form of counselling and support services for GBV survivors.
Similarly, Kisii County GBV Coordinator Roseline Nyakona emphasized the importance of peaceful homes, saying that peace must begin in families before it can spread to the larger community.
Kisii County Director of Gender, Winnie Ng’eno expressed deep concern over the county’s alarming statistics that indicate Kisii accounts for 25 percent of all GBV cases in Kenya.
The county also leads in cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), reporting 77 percent compared to the national average of 15 percent.
Ms. Ng’eno urged the county to intensify its community efforts to curb GBV.
On her part, Kisii County GBV Technical Working Committee Member Harriet Moke questioned the justice system’s way of handling GBV cases.
She regretted that some of the cases of violence against women and girls in court were being referred to mediation instead of the perpetrators being charged and prosecuted in the courts.
One of the human rights defenders, Lucy Onyango, urged the community to use the days to remember those who have lost their lives as a result of gender-based violence.
Ms. Onyango called on the government to strengthen policy enforcement, adding that gaps in the system continue to expose women and girls to harm.
She appealed for the operationalization of safe houses and the county rescue center, noting lengthy delays.
Onyango further urged the public to report cases promptly and remain vigilant because digital platforms are increasingly becoming spaces where violence stems from.
According to UN Women’s Beijing +30 Report – Kenya (2024), 41 percent of ever-married women aged 15 and older have experienced physical violence, while 13 percent have encountered sexual violence.
About 15 percent of Kenyan women aged 15 to 49 have also undergone FGM, with prevalence rising to over 36 percent in some rural and pastoralist communities.
The report also highlights major challenges including stigma, economic dependence, limited access to quality services, and the impact of climate and economic crises that heighten vulnerability.
