Kewopa calls for multi-agency efforts to combat femicide and GBV

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (Kewopa) is calling for a collaborative, multi-agency approach to eliminate femicide and violence against women and girls.

At the launch of this year's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign held at Kileleshwa Primary School in Nairobi, Kewopa Vice-Chairperson Beatrice Elachi – who is the Dagoretti North MP – said there is a need for a united effort from government institutions, civil society, and the media to tackle these pressing issues.

"By addressing systemic challenges and ensuring accountability, we can create a safer environment for women and girls," she said.

Elachi stressed that while significant progress has been made in tackling gender-based violence (GBV), there is still much to be done, particularly in combating digital and online abuse that targets women and children.

Kewopa, a caucus of female parliamentarians from both the National Assembly and the Senate, has called for stronger enforcement of existing laws and a national effort to raise awareness in communities that continue to practice harmful traditions like female genital mutilation (FGM).

Elachi also pointed out the importance of strengthening legal frameworks to hold perpetrators of femicide accountable.

Gender-responsive solutions

"We must also create platforms for survivors and activists to share their stories and advocate for gender-responsive solutions," she added.

During the meeting, GBV survivors shared their personal experiences, underscoring the urgent need for more safe houses and better support systems for victims.

In a show of solidarity, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also spoke out in support of efforts to end GBV.

He urged legislators to advance laws aimed at combating GBV and pledged to implement recommendations aimed at addressing sexual abuse in the sports sector that specifically targets women.

Last week, President William Ruto launched the "Safe Homes, Safe Spaces" campaign as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, committing Sh100 million to support survivors and raise awareness.

The initiative, which started on Monday, November 25, 2024, seeks to educate communities on the signs and causes of abuse while highlighting resources available to victims.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an important global event that calls for an end to violence against women and girls.

It takes place from November 25, 2024, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, until December 10, the Human Rights Day.

Violence against women occurs in all countries and cultures, affecting millions of women and girls.

For those living in difficult situations, like emergencies or crises, it becomes even harder to get the care and support they need.

Worrying femicide cases

The campaign comes as Kenya records rising cases of femicide.

President Ruto has also directed criminal justice actors to act swiftly in holding perpetrators of femicide fully accountable.

The President noted the urgency of protecting the lives and dignity of women and girls in Kenya.

"This challenge requires the combined efforts of government, religious leaders, parents, teachers, civil society, and all citizens of goodwill," he said, calling for immediate action across various sectors.

The President painted a grim picture, highlighting the disturbing reality that four out of five women killed in Kenya lose their lives due to intimate partner violence, often in places they consider safe.

"We know that every four out of five women killed in Kenya is out of intimate partner violence, which means our women are being killed in places they consider safe," Ruto said.

In October, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat disclosed that in the last three months alone, the police recorded 97 cases of femicide reported in various parts of the country.

He, however, stated that police had made progress in ensuring they concluded investigations into these cases.

His address came in the wake of calls by leaders to end the killings.

"About 90 per cent of femicide cases have been thoroughly investigated, resulting in the arrest of suspects, with these cases now pending in courts," he said.