Proponents of anti-GBV have called on the need to promote safe, respectful and non-violent behaviour using online space (social media, mobile) with a view to prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against women, girls, boys’ youth and men.
The County Executive Committee Member for the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Service Eng. Sabastian Kyoni on Friday during the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, 2025 urged residents to be ambassadors of anti-GBV in Makueni.
Eng. Kyoni said there should be an increase in community awareness about the nature, prevalence and impact of GBV, including online and offline violence that is on the upsurge.
At the same time, he said that the government will work closely with organised groups, young professionals, individual and community leaders, faith-based organisations and local media to engage in advocacy and norm-change activities on GBV and online safety.
“GBV is not a private matter – it is a community concern and a shared responsibility. Every survivor deserves safety, dignity and justice. We must break the silence, challenge harmful norms and stand together to protect our mothers, daughters, sons, youths’ men and neighbours,” said Eng. Kyoni.
“A safer Makueni begins with each of us choosing respect, compassion and accountability. I call upon all residents’ faith-based groups, partners to reject all forms of violence, harmful norms and support survivors and champion safety and respect at home, in the community and online. The responsibility to create a county free from violence belongs to us all,” he added.
This year’s theme: “Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.”
The CECM who spoke at Makueni Vocational Training Centre (MEVEC) on Friday said that ending this online violence has now become urgent like addressing the physical, sexual and emotional forms of GBV that continue to impact women, girls, boys and men worldwide.
Speaking at the same forum, Makueni Subcounty Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Mr Paul Langat said GBV is a problem that is cutting across the country where it has manifested itself in defilement of young girls.
Langat pointed out that gender-based violence cases are not reported and challenged stakeholders in the gender working sector to be in the forefront and ensure such issues are specified with a view to prosecute the perpetrators.
“Some of these cases of GBV are not reported and never get to the court of law. We must come together and try to address these issues of GBV so that people can speak out about what they undergo,” said Langat.
“Gender-based violence affects each one of us either directly or indirectly. So it is our responsibility to fight against the vice and reverse this worrying trend in the county,” warned the administrator.
Further the DCC observed that it was imperative they work together with all stakeholders and ensure the message reaches all the people during this period of the 16 days against GBV in the area.
By Patrick Nyakundi
