Violence against women and girls continues to be one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world. In Kenya, statistics paint a grim picture. According to the KDHS 2022, around 16% of women and 10% of men reported having experienced physical violence in the last 12 months; while 34% of women and 27% of men in Kenya have experienced physical violence since the age of 15 years. These numbers represent lives disrupted, futures derailed, and communities weakened. Further, our data shows that globally, every 10 minutes, partners and family members killed a woman intentionally in 2023.
The crisis of gender-based violence is urgent. That is why during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the UNiTE campaign to draw attention to the alarming escalation of violence against women under the theme, “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women”.
“It is more horrifying that women in the public eye, including those in politics, women human rights defenders, and journalists are often targets of intentional acts of violence, both online and offline, with some leading to fatal outcomes and intentional killings,” said Mr. Dan Bazira, Deputy Country Representative – UN Women Kenya.
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The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), observed annually from November 25 to December 10, holds special significance in Kenya, particularly as the world approaches the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30). The global campaign aligns with Kenya’s commitment to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls as outlined in the Beijing framework.
“The UNiTE campaign calls on all duty bearers, especially States and private sector companies, to act on priorities of ending violence against women. Key action remains the review of 30 years of implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and Political Declaration: recommitment, accountability, and resourcing. This includes implementing comprehensive strategies in partnership with women’s rights organizations, allocating necessary budgets, and actively reporting on progress to end impunity and prevent violence against women and girls, with a particular urgency regarding its most extreme manifestation, femicide,” adds Mr. Bazira.
UN Women, in partnership with the Government of Kenya, civil society organizations, and development partners, continues to prioritize actions to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and femicide. UN Women is committed to:
- Policy and Legal Frameworks: Supporting the reform, implementation, and enforcement of laws and policies that protect women and girls, including the above-mentioned legislation and National Action Plans in line with International and Regional Conventions.
- Service Delivery: Strengthening survivor-centered services, including healthcare, psychosocial support, legal aid, and shelter services, to ensure survivors are supported every step of the way and perpetrators are held to account.
- Community Engagement: Mobilizing communities to challenge harmful norms and behaviors that perpetuate violence.
- Economic Empowerment: Empowering women and girls to reduce their vulnerability to violence and exploitation.
UN Women Kenya is calling for an end to impunity by advocating for and establishing laws and policies that hold perpetrators accountable.
