National drive launched to tackle rising gender-based violence and femicide
The group plans to engage with communities to collect input on solutions to combat GBV and femicide, examining the role of social media in influencing public perception, awareness, and policymaking.
The Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide has launched a public participation initiative across Kenya, seeking community feedback on the alarming rise in violence against women and girls.
This initiative seeks to identify effective steps that the government can take to ensure the safety, security, and justice for victims and survivors of such violations.
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"His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya, through the Kenya Gazette Notice No. 109 of 10 January, 2025, appointed a Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), including femicide, to assess, review, and recommend measures to strengthen the policy, legal, and institutional response to GBV and Femicide in the country," stated the group in a notice.
The group said its mandate was extended in Gazette Notice No. 5047 on April 25, 2025.
The group said GBV cases, including the killings of women and girls—often classified as femicide—pose a significant threat to national security, social stability and human rights.
Fundamental rights
These violations, the group stated, infringe upon fundamental rights such as dignity, equality, freedom from discrimination, and personal security.
"The rising cases of GBV and the killings of women and girls, often categorised as femicide, violate fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to human dignity, equality, freedom from discrimination, and personal security. These egregious acts pose a significant threat to national security and social stability," stated the technical working group.
"In line with the constitutional imperative of ensuring wide consultation and public participation, the Technical Working Group on GBV, including Femicide, will hold citizen engagement meetings in all 47 counties, starting at 9:00 am on the scheduled dates and venues," they stated.
The group outlined its objectives, which include identifying the root causes and hotspots of GBV and femicide, analysing the effectiveness of current legal and policy frameworks, and recommending amendments to close legislative gaps.
Allocation of resources
They also intend to evaluate the allocation of resources, training, and operational effectiveness in addressing prevention, response and support systems related to GBV.
The group also plans to engage with communities to collect input on solutions to combat GBV and femicide, examining the role of social media in influencing public perception, awareness, and policymaking.
They will also explore the psychological factors contributing to GBV and femicide, with a focus on socioeconomic challenges exacerbating these issues.
The group emphasised its goal of offering actionable recommendations on the prevention, investigation, prosecution, and resolution of domestic disputes, with a particular emphasis on strengthening social structures to prevent violence within families and communities.
They underscored that public participation in the ongoing consultations is crucial, as it will help shape policies and laws aimed at protecting women and girls and ensuring justice for survivors of gender-based violence.
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