MPs call for action against Gender Based Violence and Femicide

𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

Members of Parliament have raised alarm over the increase in cases of violence and murder against vulnerable women and girls in the Country.

This came about as the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Gladys Boss gave a general Statement regarding the UN Women’s Report on statistics of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide in Kenya as the Country looks to mark the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence.

In the statement, Hon. Boss cites the report that revealed a disturbing global trend of femicide, with one woman or girl killed by an intimate partner or family member every 10 minutes. The report also notes that Africa is identified as the region with the highest rates of such violence.

“Honourable Speaker, in 2023, 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed globally and 60% of these femicides, totalling 51,100, were committed by an intimate partner or a family member. This means that on average 140 women and girls worldwide die every day at the hands of their partner or a close relative.” Said the Deputy Speaker.

She further highlighted the devastating impact of GBV on Kenyan women and girls, referencing local statistics that indicate a significant portion of women have experienced physical violence, often perpetrated by their husbands or partners.

“This alarming reality is deeply rooted and ingrained in the patriarchal societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality and normalize violence against our women.” Hon Boss said.

The Uasin Gishu Woman representative called for a multi-faceted approach to combat the issue through legislative reforms, social change, and creating more awareness and support services. She additionally called on Male leaders to take a proactive role in promoting gender equality and condemning violence against women.

Hon Gladys Boss Shollei went further to single out the misogyny and challenges faced by women in politics, noting that psychological violence is meted against many female parliamentarians due to their Gender. She called for increased efforts to protect women in public office and to create a more inclusive political environment.

Hon Millie Odhiambo noted, “If we are going to tackle the issue of violence against our women, then we need to mentor our boys. We need empower the boy child because they are going astray and are in need of the right guidance.”

Kinangop MP, Hon Kwenya Thuku on his part called on a communal approach in order to protect women who are endangered

“I wish to appeal to every leader that is worth the salt. There comes a time when we must take charge of our children, we must take charge of our women and we must take charge of the actions of our men in order to deal with gender based violence,” Hon. Kwenya Thuku stated.