PS Kenya actively participated in the 2024 Launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which commenced on November 25th. This year’s theme, “UNiTE! End Violence Against Women and Girls,” underscores the urgent need to address GBV, a pervasive issue affecting many women in Kenya. According to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS), over 40% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence from intimate partners at least once in their lives. Furthermore, The Nairobi Women’s Hospital reports handling approximately 4,000 GBV cases monthly, with a significant number involving women.
During the 16 Days of Activism, PS Kenya launched an online campaign aimed at raising awareness about GBV and mobilizing community support. This campaign is part of their broader strategy to engage various stakeholders in advocating for women’s rights and combating harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and early marriages.
PS Kenya’s Accelerate Project, funded by the Embassy of Denmark, plays a crucial role in enhancing access to sexual and reproductive health services while supporting GBV survivors. This initiative aims to empower communities by providing comprehensive and integrated GBV response services across 13 underserved counties in Kenya. Notably, the project has facilitated direct medical services for over 55,000 survivors and psychosocial support for more than 150,000 individuals through partnerships with organizations like the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) and Population Services International.
Despite ongoing efforts, the rise in femicide remains alarming. Nairobi women’s representative, Esther Passaris, highlighted the need for accountability within the justice system to deter potential offenders effectively.
“It is quite unfortunate that we are still witnessing such violence against women. The justice system must ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.” Passaris stated
The Kenyan government has committed to implementing 12 key actions focused on advancing gender equality and eliminating GBV by 2026. These actions include increasing budget allocations for GBV survivors and enhancing service delivery systems.
The 16 Days of Activism serves as a vital reminder of our commitment to ending violence against women and girls. While these days are significant for raising awareness, true change requires sustained action throughout the year. Together, we can foster a future where every woman and girl lives free from fear and violence.
