Women rights organisations and leaders across Kenya have called for urgent and decisive action against gender-based violence (GBV).
In a joint statement issued by civil society groups, including Echo Network Africa Foundation, African Women Leadership Network Chapter (AWLN) and Democracy Trust Fund, the women declared their solidarity with national efforts to end GBV.
They urged the Government to fully implement recommendations of the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence led by Dr Nancy Baraza.
Dr. Jeniffer Riria, president of Echo Network Africa Foundation, urged women across the country to remain united and actively support the national fight against GBV until safety becomes a lived reality for all women and girls.
Further, she called on men, community leaders, religious institutions, schools, digital platforms and the private sector to become active partners in prevention and accountability against GBV.
“Granted that the Nancy Baraza team has finalised their task and officially submitted their report with recommendations, we urge the President to lead the war against GBV and personally champion for a safe country for all Kenyans, especially for girls and women,” said Dr. Riria.
She explained that the completion and submission of the report by the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence marked a critical milestone in Kenya’s response to violence against women and girls.
“The task force, chaired by Dr Nancy Baraza, was mandated to assess the scale and drivers of GBV in the country, including femicide and to propose practical interventions that can strengthen prevention, protection, response and accountability,” she mentioned.
“Specifically, we support the recommendation that the President urgently proclaims GBV as a national disaster,” added Dr. Riria.
The renewed call comes against the backdrop of growing public concern over persistent cases of sexual violence, domestic abuse and the rising incidents of femicide across the country.
