As we mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), as we rally around this year’s theme Unite To End Violence Against Women, World Vision Kenya (WVK) is calling for urgent and collective action to address the escalating crisis of GBV, femicide, and the violence experienced by women and girls across the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence, often at the hands of an intimate partner, which significantly impacts their physical, emotional, and social well-being (WHO, Global and Regional Estimates of Violence Against Women, 2013)1 GBV is one of the most pervasive human rights violations, with deep roots in harmful social norms, gender inequality, and patriarchal structures. In Kenya, the latest statistics are a reminder of the gravity of the crisis:
- According to data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)2, 45% of women in Kenya have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
- The 2023 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS)3reveals that 44% of women aged 15-49 have ever experienced physical violence, and 13% have experienced sexual violence. • According to UN Women, in the past eight years, 75% of female homicide victims in Kenya were killed by intimate partners or family members, with 80% of these homicides occurring within the home, underscoring the domestic nature of this violence (UN Women, “Gender-Based Violence in Kenya: Insights from the 2020 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey,” 2020)4.
These numbers are not just statistics but the experiences of millions of women and girls who face violence within the communities and households that should provide them with safety and security. World Vision Kenya stands firmly in support of survivors of GBV and is committed to creating lasting change through a multifaceted approach. We believe that true progress happens when no one is left behind.
Through our Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) approach, which addresses the barriers preventing vulnerable children and adults from achieving their full potential, we focus on
1 WHO, Global and Regional Estimates of Violence Against Women, 2013
2 Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR
3 The 2023 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS
4UN Women, “Gender-Based Violence in Kenya: Insights from the 2020 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey,” 2020
empowering individuals to participate fully in social, economic, and political processes, promote equal decision-making, and transform formal and informal systems to create an environment that sustains change. We also recognize that mental health is a crucial element of well-being, and we address mental health challenges as part of our GESI approach, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to the support and resources they need to thrive emotionally, psychologically, and socially.
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Economic empowerment and behavioral change, among other factors, are crucial in curbing GBV by equipping women and communities with resources and resilience to overcome vulnerability. Our women’s economic empowerment programs focus on creating gender-responsive market systems that consider the unique barriers women face. We promote inclusive business models and advocate for women’s active participation across agri-business value chains, not just as producers but as decision-makers and leaders. Addressing harmful social norms, we encourage joint household financial decision-making and support women’s clubs that amplify their voices.
Additionally, we work to make women visible in their contributions, acknowledging and valuing both their paid and unpaid labor. Through these initiatives, we empower women to achieve financial independence, enhancing their agency and reducing their risk of experiencing GBV. Over the years, we have made significant strides in providing protection services and implementing community-based interventions that address the root causes of GBV and promote long-term social change.
Notable Programs and Impact:
- Kilifi Child Protection Program: In Kilifi County, the WVKs child protection program has reached thousands of children and families through community-based child protection committees. These committees play a crucial role in reporting, preventing, and responding to child abuse and violence, including GBV. In the last year alone, the program has provided support to over 200 GBV survivors, connecting them to legal aid, health services, and psychosocial support.
- Channels of Hope for Gender: This program engages faith communities to challenge harmful gender norms and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. In partnership with local churches and religious leaders, we have trained over 500 community champions who advocate for women’s rights, peaceful family dynamics, and violence prevention.
- Celebrating Families: Through this initiative, we work with parents, caregivers, and communities to create safe, nurturing environments for children. We equip families with the knowledge and tools to prevent violence, resolve healthy conflicts, and promote positive parenting.
- Becoming One: This program targets men and boys to encourage positive masculinity and engage them as allies in the fight against GBV. By focusing on building respectful, non-violent relationships, we have seen notable shifts in attitudes among men in rural and urban communities, leading to reduced domestic violence and better community cooperation in GBV prevention.
- Through our Savings for Transformation groups, Local Value Chain Development (LVCD), and loaning initiative partnering with VisionFund, WVK has empowered communities by providing financial tools that promote economic growth, resilience, and self-reliance, enabling families to invest in education, health, and sustainable livelihoods.
Call to Action
The fight against GBV requires a united and sustained effort. We, therefore, call on all stakeholders, government, civil society, private sector, international partners, and community members to unite in taking action to eliminate GBV. Together, we can create a society where women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination, pursue their dreams, and participate fully in every aspect of life.
We urge:
- Government and Duty Bearers to strengthen law enforcement and judicial systems to ensure timely prosecution of GBV cases and protection for survivors.
- Faith Leaders and Faith Communities to champion the rights of women and girls within faith communities, and speak out against GBV as well as provide safe spaces within churches and religious centers for survivors to receive counseling and healing.
- Media and Civil Society to raise awareness about GBV, amplify survivors’ voices, and hold perpetrators accountable through public advocacy.
- Community Members to challenge harmful social norms and attitudes that normalize violence against women and girls actively report cases of abuse and violence, and support survivors in accessing justice and services.
GBV is a societal issue that cannot be solved by any one entity alone. It requires collective action, a shift in mindsets, and a commitment to changing systems that perpetuate inequality and violence.
We reaffirm our dedication to promoting and protecting the rights of the most vulnerable. We will continue to support survivors of GBV and advocate for initiatives that foster healing, resilience, and empowerment. During these 16 Days of Activism and beyond, we stand firm in our commitment to eradicating GBV, supporting survivors, and working alongside communities to end the normalization of violence.
Together, let us eradicate GBV, support survivors, and build a future where no woman or girl has to live in fear.
