World Non-Violence Day: Ending all forms of Violence and Human Rights Violation in Africa by Nellie Chepkemoi.

On 2nd October, the world commemorates World Non-Violence Day and I'm reminded of Mahatma Gandhi's words: "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.” Yet, for many Women and Young Girls from Africa and beyond its borders, Non-violence is still an elusive dream. Violence against women and young girls in Africa remains one of the most pervasive and devastating forms of injustice and the stark reality is that Gender-Based violence (GBV) permeates our homes, livelihoods, workplaces, streets, public spaces, and sadly, the digital space too #OGBV, spaces that were once regarded safe for all.

Here in Kenya, GBV remains a grim reality as women and even men undergo threats- from domestic violence, sexual assaults, and emotional abuse and sometimes those from the pastoralist and marginalized communities like myself still undergo harmful retrogressive cultural practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Many men and women are silently suffering without getting justice. It recently became so terrible and alarming that a male blogger was politically intimidated, threatened sexually, and physically assaulted for speaking out against the ills at the governance of their locality. Bruce's incident represents many unreported and unknown stories of victims of GBV and the use of violence to silence criticism.

The Kenyan government on the other hand has had a role in the recent abductions, unlawful intimidation, and arrests of activists and government critics since the Finance Bill protests by the youthful populace. Many young men and women have faced threats, violence, and in extreme cases, death. Innocent deaths still demand justice and all these in itself is a threat to the civic space. As we commemorate this year's Non-Violence Week, we must remember that it isn't only an absence of physical maltreatment, but a commitment to promoting safety, respect, and the basic freedoms and rights of all human race.

I believe in peace and unity as a young woman leader and a human rights advocate. We need to collectively rally grassroots communities, regimes, civil societies, global actors, and stakeholders to act and address the issue of GBV from its root cause. This will positively impact the effectiveness of accountability, having safe spaces for survivors and victims, as well as speaking against harmful and retrogressive cultural practices.

On this great day, may we always remain peaceful, amplify survivors’ voiceless voices, and honor those whose lives were lost in the fight against violence, freedom, and upholding human rights. I would love to partner with individuals, organizations, and leaders working on ending violence. Let us all break the silence in the war against violence.