Fatshimetrie
The Kenyan government recently issued an alarming statement: gender-based violence is considered the biggest security problem in the country. This revelation highlights a disturbing reality, with 100 women having died in just four months, most of them at the hands of men they knew, including partners.
Gender-based violence is now being referred to by Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi as “the elephant in the room”, highlighting the magnitude of the problem. Many cases are still being investigated in court, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
Since September 2023, 7,107 cases of sexual and gender-based violence have been reported in Kenya. These worrying figures highlight an insidious crisis affecting many women in the country.
In the face of this worrying escalation of femicides, the Kenyan government has taken action by establishing a special unit to deal with these cases of violence. Human rights groups are mobilizing to demand justice, highlighting the urgent need for action.
A UN report released in November highlighted that Africa had the highest rate of partner-related femicides in 2023. President William Ruto has urged police to investigate these cases, noting that four out of five women killed were victims of intimate partner violence, calling into question the safety of women in their own homes.
In response to this worrying situation, the Kenyan Cabinet this week approved the establishment of a presidential panel to propose ways to combat gender-based violence. It is high time to take concrete steps to protect the country’s women and ensure their safety.
Gender-based violence is a global problem that requires immediate and coordinated action. It is imperative that all actors, whether government, community or individual, commit to ending this senseless violence and creating a safe environment for all. Respect for women’s rights and the eradication of gender-based violence must be at the heart of any society that aims to be progressive and equitable.