This article is authored by Susan Oduor who is the Gender, Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist at USAID HERO
As we mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), USAID Health Equity and Resource Optimization (USAID HERO) stands united in our commitment to ending Gender Based violence in the areas we work in. The theme for this year’s campaign, “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls” is a clarion call to action. In Kenya, we echo this sentiment with our local theme, “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Violence against women and girls is not only a human rights violation but it is a societal crisis that undermines the progress and prosperity of any nation. It knows no boundaries and it affects women and girls of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. From domestic abuse, sexual assault, harmful traditional practices to cyberbullying, the manifestations of GBV are diverse and devastating.
GBV still affects many people-especially women and girls
Globally, it is estimated that one in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. In Kenya, approximately 34% of women have experienced physical violence from the age of 15, while 13% have faced sexual violence at some point in their lives (KNBS 2022). The National Police Service reported that in 2021, there were 8,149 recorded victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) crimes, with 92% being female and 8% male.
However, most GBV cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, isolation, and social exclusion, which often leave survivors vulnerable to further violence by their perpetrators. GBV occurs across various settings, including families, workplaces, and schools, and involves a diverse range of perpetrators ranging from family members and friends to intimate partners and strangers. It transcends social, economic, political, and cultural boundaries.
The Constitution of Kenya 2010 enshrines the right to human dignity and security, prohibiting violence from both public and private sources. Sexual violence, a particularly severe and potentially fatal form of gender-based violence, constitutes a grave violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Kenyan constitution. SGBV not only inflicts physical and psychological harm but also undermines the survivors dignity, freedom and security and this demands sustained action to protect survivors, prevent occurrences and uphold the rights that are enshrined in the constitution
The impact of gender-based violence shatters lives, erodes trust, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. It hinders women’s empowerment, limits their potential, and stifles their contributions to society. The toll on physical and mental health is immense, and the economic consequences are significant.
To address this crisis, we must adopt a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, protection, and prosecution. This requires a multi-sectoral effort involving governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and individuals.
As we mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism, it is time to move beyond raising awareness and take bold, collective action. Everyone has a role to play in ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The government must lead by example, making gender equality a national priority and allocating sufficient budgets for GBV prevention and response. Civil society organizations should continue to advocate, hold duty bearers accountable, and innovate scalable interventions that address root causes and deliver lasting impact. The private sector has a crucial responsibility to invest in initiatives that promote equality and ensure safety in workplaces and the communities they operate in. At an individual level, we must all speak out against violence, challenge harmful norms, and support survivors in their healing journeys. Together, we can transform our collective resolve into tangible actions to create a safer, more equitable society for all.
How County Governments can end SGBV
1. County Governments should invest in prevention
Prevention is the most effective way to end violence against women and girls. This means investing in education and awareness, promoting gender equality, challenging harmful norms, and empowering women and girls. By equipping young people with knowledge and skills to build healthy relationships, we can prevent violence before it starts.
Working with the national government , counties must urgently prioritize the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by making gender equality a cornerstone of national development and ensuring adequate budgetary allocations for GBV response and prevention. Without dedicated resources, the systemic barriers that perpetuate violence and inequality cannot be dismantled.
For instance, an analysis conducted by USAID HERO on the estimated budget allocations for FY 2024-2025 in supported counties revealed that only 2 out of 10 focus counties made provisions for addressing GBV.
Alarmingly, the analysis also highlighted that counties failed to prioritize the unique needs of adolescents, particularly in addressing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns or allocating resources to curb early and unwanted teenage pregnancies. This glaring oversight underscores the need for intentional and targeted investments that address the vulnerabilities of this critical demographic. Important to note, issues like teenage pregnancies in some instances occur as a result of sexual violence.
Investing in GBV and adolescent SRH initiatives is not just a fundamental necessity but also a critical step toward achieving sustainable development. Adequate funding can support survivor-centered services, strengthen enforcement of laws, and implement community-based prevention programs tailored to the needs of young people. The government must lead by example, embedding gender equality and youth-focused priorities across all sectors and ensuring that every county allocates resources to address GBV, adolescent SRH needs, and the prevention of teenage pregnancies.
Let us commit to creating a future where no woman, girl, or adolescent has to live in fear or be denied their right to health and safety, backed by policies and budgets that reflect the urgency of this cause.
2. Counties should strengthen protection services
Survivors of violence deserve access to comprehensive, survivor-centered, and holistic support services that are not only timely but also of high quality and confidential. These services must include safe spaces and shelters that provide immediate refuge from harm, coupled with rehabilitation programs that address the long-term psychological, physical, and economic impacts of violence. Legal aid should empower survivors to seek justice without fear of reprisal or financial burden, while counseling and psychosocial support should be designed to restore their mental health and emotional well-being.
Emergency medical care must go beyond treating physical injuries to include services for sexual and reproductive health, such as post-exposure prophylaxis, STI treatment, and support for pregnancies resulting from violence. These interventions need to be culturally sensitive and accessible to diverse groups, including persons with disabilities, adolescents and non- binary gender minorities who often face significant barriers.
Strengthening these services requires not only increased funding but also robust coordination among government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure survivors receive seamless, multidisciplinary care that empowers them to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
3. Laws should be enforced for victims get justice & offenders held to account
Legal frameworks must be strengthened by improving law enforcement and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice and held accountable for their action. The culture of violence against women and girls should not be tolerated. We must strengthen our legal frameworks, improve law enforcement, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
4. We should promote gender equality and engage men and boys
Men and boys play a crucial role in preventing and ending violence against women and girls. Men and boys must be engaged as allies in this cause, encouraging them to challenge harmful and toxic masculinity and promote gender equality.
5. Economic empowerment for women and girls
When women and girls have access to economic opportunities, they are less vulnerable to violence and exploitation. Pathways for women to achieve financial independence must be created by supporting survivors of GBV through economic recovery programs.
During this year’s 16 Days of Activism, let us commit to transform words from awareness into meaningful actions. We can advocate for policy change, ensuring the swift implementation of national action plans that prioritize funding for GBV prevention programs.
As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, we must renew our commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Let us use this opportunity to accelerate progress and build a world where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence.