The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has embarked on a nationwide sensitisation programme aimed at addressing increased cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The programme, which will include a special forum for men, is set to begin in Murang’a County before moving to other parts of the country.
NGEC Commissioner Mbithuka Nzomo on Tuesday noted that the initiative will involve setting up sensitisation camps in every county.
These camps, he added, “will engage communities about effective policies and interventions to combat GBV cases in the country.”
He observed that a two-day sanitisation forum in Murang’a will kick off on Wednesday at Maragua and feature discussions with the community and especially men from the county.
“We will explore strategies and interventions to reduce GBV cases. Additionally, there will be a special sitting for men who have been overlooked but are suffering from GBV,” Nzomo explained.
Nzomo, who led a team from NGEC to pay a courtesy call at the offices of Murang’a governor and that of the county commissioner, decried increased cases of GBV countrywide, saying the commission will partner with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and county governments to come up with appropriate measures to handle the cases.
In Murang’a, Nzioka highlighted that the prevalence of GBV stood at 53 per cent for reported cases, saying there are also many more incidences which are unreported.
The commissioner identified abuse of drugs and alcoholism as a major contributing factor to femicide, discrimination, and GBV in the county and beyond.
Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha expressed concerns over the alarming rate of GBV cases, noting that security agencies report at least one death weekly due to domestic violence.
He also mentioned that cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are slowly coming up in the county, associating the illegal practice with outlawed gangs and sects.
“People should come forward and report FGM incidents without fear of victimisation. The National and County Governments, alongside other stakeholders, should establish organisations and policies that empower male victims who have been overlooked,” said Nkanatha.
The county commissioner further noted that societal expectations placed on men often discourage them from reporting cases where they have been victims of GBV.
Murang’a County Secretary Dr. Newton Mwangi, on his part, noted that the county has been educating youth and empowering them with programmes that will deter them from alcoholism and drug abuse.
He confirmed that cases of GBV in the county have been on the rise in the recent past, saying the county administration, with the help of other stakeholders, including NGEC, will derive measures to tackle the menace.
Mwangi called for inclusive solutions to tackle GBV in the county and create a safe space for all victims.
“We want to educate our youths on ways we can reduce GBV in the county by engaging them in various programmes that will empower them and shun abuse of substances,” he said.
By Bernard Munyao and Anjaliwa Francis