SAY NO TO GENDER BASED VIOLENCE!!!

#The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed on November 25th, raises awareness and promotes action to end violence against women and girls worldwide. It highlights the urgent need to address gender-based violence and reinforces the importance of gender equality, robust legal frameworks, supportive services, and public education. By uniting individuals and organizations, it fosters global solidarity and collective efforts to create safer societies. This day also marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism against #Gender-Based Violence, amplifying the call for impactful action to eliminate this serious human rights violation.

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a significant issue in Kenya & the world, affecting individuals across various demographics. Despite numerous efforts to combat this pervasive problem, GBV continues to pose a serious threat to the well-being and safety of many women and girls. The root causes of this evil in society include:

·?????? Traditional Gender Roles: Deeply ingrained cultural beliefs often define strict gender roles, where men are seen as dominant and women as submissive. This power imbalance can lead to the acceptance of violence as a method of control.

·?????? Harmful Practices: Practices such as child marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM), and honor killings are perpetuated by societal norms that devalue women and girls.

·?????? Poverty and Financial Dependency: Economic disparities force many women into dependency on men, making it difficult for them to leave abusive relationships. Poverty exacerbates their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.

·?????? Inadequate Laws: Many countries lack comprehensive legal frameworks to protect women from GBV. Even where laws exist, they are often poorly enforce. Perpetrators also frequently go unpunished due to weak justice systems, corruption, and societal reluctance to hold abusers accountable.

·?????? Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Substance abuse can exacerbate violent behavior. It often leads to a loss of control and an increase in aggressive tendencies, resulting in higher rates of GBV.

·?????? Mental Health Issues: Psychological problems, such as personality disorders and traumatic experiences, can contribute to abusive behaviors.

·?????? Normalization of Violence: Exposure to violence during childhood, whether through witnessing domestic abuse or experiencing it directly, can lead to the normalization of such behavior in adulthood.

#Femicide in Kenya has become a critical issue, with numerous cases highlighting the severity of gender-based violence. In January 2024, the brutal murders of Starlet Wahu and Rita Waeni shocked the nation. Wahu, a social media influencer, was found dead in a short-term rental in Nairobi, while Waeni, a university student, was dismembered and her body dumped in the city. Another notable case is the murder of Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who was set on fire in Eldoret by Dickson Ndiema. These cases underscore the urgent need for effective interventions and highlight the pervasive nature of femicide in Kenya. Despite efforts by the government and organizations to combat this violence, the rising number of femicide cases calls for more robust legal frameworks, public awareness, and support systems for survivors.

Combating gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya & the world requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders and strategies. Here are some effective ways to address this issue:

1. Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Enforce existing laws and develop new policies to protect women and girls from GBV, ensuring accountability for perpetrators.

2. Raise Awareness and Educate: Conduct public awareness campaigns and integrate GBV education into school curriculums to promote gender equality and respectful relationships. Healthcare organizations & companies such as ESHE - care for you can help raise awareness through webinars and forums where this issue is addressed appropriately.

3. Provide Support Services: Offer accessible support services such as safe shelters, legal aid, counseling, and healthcare for survivors.

4. Engage Men and Boys: Encourage men and boys to become allies in the fight against GBV by promoting gender equality and respectful relationships.

5. International Collaboration: Foster global partnerships to share best practices, resources, and funding for GBV prevention and intervention programs.

6. Telemedicine & Innovation: Companies such as ESHE - care for you , a telemedicine company in Kenya, should help provide remote medical consultations and support for GBV survivors, ensuring they receive timely and confidential care.

Relevant stakeholders in Kenya include the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, Nairobi Women's Hospital, Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Family Health Options Kenya (FHOK), and Human Rights Watch. These organizations work collaboratively to address GBV through advocacy, legal support, medical care, and community engagement.

By implementing these strategies, the global community can make significant strides in reducing gender-based violence and creating a safer, more equitable world for all.

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