Ruto unveils Sh100 million 'safe homes' campaign to tackle gender-based violence

President William Ruto has 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 begins on November 25, 2024, seeks to educate communities on the signs and causes of abuse while highlighting resources available to victims.

Addressing the media at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, President Ruto highlighted the importance of awareness in preventing gender-based violence.

"Our communities need education on the signs and causes of abuse. Awareness is a crucial step in prevention, and we must ensure that victims know where to seek refuge," he said.

The campaign aims to increase public knowledge of available safe spaces, including toll-free hotlines such as GPV 1195 and DCI's anonymous reporting number 0800722203.

The government has pledged full support for the initiative, with the President urging all Kenyans to unite in the fight against femicide.

As part of the initiative, the government will also work closely with women leaders, community organisations, and religious institutions to create a positive environment for women.

"These women leaders will lead the way in making sure our girls and women are aware of the dangers they face, especially when engaging with strangers or people online," he stated.

The president also called for greater parental vigilance and care, urging them to be present and approachable to their children. "A strong family is the first line of defence against the dangers in our society," he added.

Ruto stressed that protecting women and girls rests not just with the government, but with every Kenyan.

"Together, as a nation, we must relentlessly protect the vulnerable. We will eradicate femicide and ensure that every woman lives in safety, dignity, and freedom from fear," he said.

The Government will be relentless in protecting the vulnerable. We will be swift in confronting gender-based violence head-on. Those responsible will be held to account.

We ask our children to be cautious of the social media that has become a high-risk space to engage strangers.… pic.twitter.com/O1KMuJ9K0g

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) November 20, 2024

In addition, the President urged all Kenyans to engage in the movement, educate others, and speak out against the violence plaguing their communities.

"We must join hands to raise awareness of the dangers our daughters face, particularly from those who do not mean well for our society," he added.

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, 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.

The campaign comes as Kenya records rising cases of femicide.

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 they made progress in ensuring they concluded probes 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 added.