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THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
Date: 04-11-2023
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
In the launch of the 16 days of activism, the Meru youth advocates, partners and the county government participated in this global movement to address the rising cases of gender violence in the county where they organized a public gathering for all individuals at the Tuskys ground in Meru Town.
Speaking while launching 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence, Meru County Commissioner Fred Ndunga has raised concerns over the increasing cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Meru County. He said “Today marks a pivotal moment in our collective journey towards a social society free from the shackles of gender-based violence. As we gather to launch the 16 Days of Activism against this catch today, it is with a profound sense of duty and determination that we confront the stark realities within our community. According to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey of 2022, the prevalence of sexual violence among women and men aged 15 to 49 years stands at 13 and 7% respectively, with physical violence at 34 in women and 37 among men, while female genital mutilation FGM is at 15%. Meru County is ranked 5th nationally among the counties with a high rate of teenage pregnancy, with sexual violence prevalence amongst women at 16%, physical violence rate at 36%, female genital mutilation at 19% and teenage pregnancy at 24%. These statistics are above the national prevalence rates. Meru being one the few countries with rich culture and heritage should not bear this burden of high rates of teenage pregnancy and pervasive violence against women and girls. The reality is compounded by deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that persist within our society. It is a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead of us. The issue of teenage pregnancy not only robs our young girls of their childhood but also hampers their opportunities for a bright future. It is an urgent concern that demands multifaceted intervention, education, access to reproductive health services and the empowerment of our young girls to make informed choices about their bodies and lives. Violence against women and girls remains a blight on our collective conscience. It tears at the very fabric of our community, leaving scars that affect generations. It's a challenge that necessitates a holistic approach, enforcement of laws protecting women, provision of safe spaces and support systems, and educational initiatives aimed at shifting cultural paradigms that condone violence. However, in the face of these challenges, there is hope. Hope in the resilience of our community members, in the dedication of our activists, and in the partnerships we forge to combat this menace. The fight against gender-based violence is not a solitary battle. It requires the concerted efforts of multiple stakeholders. I commend the tireless efforts of our law enforcement agencies, health workers, educators, community leaders, and civil society organizations. Their unwavering commitment to support survivors, raise awareness, and advocate for change is commendable. We recognize and appreciate their invaluable contributions to our causes moving forward. Merrill County is unwavering in its determination to tackle these pressing issues head-on. We will intensify efforts to provide comprehensive sexuality education to our youth, ensure the availability and accessibility of reproductive health services, and create safe spaces for survivors of gender.
Judy the coordinator of GBV programs in Meru county also added by saying, “As we launch the campaign, I want to remind all the stakeholders that we must create awareness on the long-term effects of Gender-Based Violence since the victims may suffer the trauma for the rest of their lives. Women and girls in certain groups - such as those living with disability, adolescent girls and older women - often face even greater difficulty in having their voices heard and accessing support. Too often people respond to violence by blaming or shaming the victim – for instance, for what they wore or what they did, or because they belong to a particular group, or people hesitate to offer support because it takes place in ‘private’ or among people we know. She also underscored the need for the stakeholders to do everything at their disposal to assist the vulnerable groups in society including young boys and girls. “Let us all work to ensure that these groups are protected and most importantly join hands in addressing the root cause of these violent acts†Judy said.
Mr Koome, The National Syndemic Disease Control Council regional coordinator noted that the theme of this year “Invest to prevent violence against women and girls†is a call for everyone to put efforts into their respective duties of work to create space where women and girls can be free from violence, and they can exercise their full potential. He pointed out some of the factors contributing to increased cases of GBV which include discriminatory social-cultural norms and stereotypes evident in the county. Others include a lack of skills from the stakeholders, limited resources and infrastructure, as well as limited collaboration among the key players. He also added, that as we face the challenges of confronting GBV, we should know it’s severe and do everything in our power to deal with the vice. Mr Koome calls for global action to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to help end all types of violence against women and girls. 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence 2023. Ending violence against women is possible, but only if we act together, now. The global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a key international moment to call for an end to violence against women and girls
We must change the story, challenge misogyny and violence, and make sure women are heard. Women and girls everywhere should be able to access the help they need when they need it, so we can end violence once and for all.