The Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide has intensified its nationwide efforts to tackle the growing menace of violence against women, as the country grapples with grim statistics.
Since 2016, nearly 700 women have lost their lives to femicide and the statistics now show an average of 40 women are killed every month, highlighting a national crisis that has prompted swift action from the highest levels of government.
Speaking during a public participation forum in Murang'a Town, the Chairperson of the working group, Nancy Baraza emphasized the urgent need to address the underlying causes of gender-based violence. "Our social fabric is being threatened, and even economic activities are being disrupted," she said. "This is why the President established this working group to find sustainable, community-driven solutions," he added.
Baraza said the group is touring counties across Kenya to gather public views, identify root causes, and assess the extent of GBV and femicide nationwide; looking beyond laws and institutional reforms, the team is examining the role of cultural norms, family structures, social media influences as well as national resource allocation in addressing the crisis. "This is a deeply pervasive issue in our society, it is not a one-day matter." she noted. "We are looking into every facet of our lives, from family dynamics to schools, workplaces, and communities.
