The Office of Women Representative Beatrice Kemei, in collaboration with the Office of Gender Kericho, marked a significant milestone in the battle against gender-based violence (GBV) with an event held at Moi Gardens on January 30 with the slogan ‘We are not safe’.
This occasion commemorated one year since the launch of the “End Femicide” campaign, which has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and provide support to victims of gender abuse.
The event was a poignant reminder of the lives lost to femicide, with a candlelight ceremony evoking strong emotions among attendees.
Women and men together were encouraged to speak out against all forms of abuse, whether physical, emotional, or verbal. The message was clear that being a woman should never be a death sentence and that there is strength in standing up for one’s rights.
Key figures in the fight against GBV, including representatives from the County Women representative and Rose Chelangat Rotich, a government Gender Officer and advocate for action against GBV, took to the stage to offer their support and advice.
“Women play a crucial role in our country’s future, so we must work together to end the cycle of abuse and build a society where women can live free from fear,” Mrs. Rotich emphasized.
The event also included performances by gospel singers and dancers, adding a sense of hope and joy to the occasion.
Peter Mutai, in charge of special programmes for persons with disabilities, also spoke, emphasising the need for vigilance and solidarity within communities.
The femicide campaign has made notable strides in its first year, with over 163 cases of GBV reported in Kericho last year alone, marking the highest number in the country.
“We recorded the highest number of cases last year, tallying 163 cases, which was quite alarming in the country,” Chebet explained.
Despite this alarming statistic, organisers celebrated the increase in awareness and reporting, with more women now coming forward to report abuse.
The County Coordinator, Emmy Odaba, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are delighted that more people are now speaking up, and we are seeing positive progress in our fight against GBV.”
The county has also seen significant improvements in providing counselling to victims and assisting defiled girls in seeking justice and returning to school.
A key challenge addressed during the event was the role of religious and cultural beliefs, which often discouraged women from reporting abuse.
Community pressure to ‘resolve’ GBV issues quietly could prevent women from seeking help, but leaders at the event urged a shift from cultural GBV resolutions to a legal process in line with prioritising the safety and well-being of women.
“No woman should suffer in silence, since our goal is to ensure that every survivor has a voice,” Chelang’at remarked.
The day concluded with a call for unity among stakeholders to continue fighting for a world free of gender-based violence, with Beatrice Chebet, the county Gender Officer, emphasising the importance of collaboration.
“We urge everyone to come together and support the cause since our Department of Gender is always here to offer assistance,” Chebet said.
By Kibe Mburu and Kipyegon Mutai