Commissioners of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) have urged men to take an active role in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), emphasizing their critical contribution to creating a violence-free society.
During a two-day sensitization forum held in Murang'a County, Commissioner Mbithuka Nzomo highlighted the importance of breaking the culture of silence among men.
While men are often perceived as aggressors in domestic violence, Nzomo noted that many unreported cases reveal them as victims too. "Men have adopted a code of silence, staying at home and suffering in isolation," he said, adding "As a society, we must encourage their involvement in eliminating GBV, not just as the problem but as active contributors to a society free of GBV." Nzomo was accompanied by his counterpart Caroline Lentupuru also noted that law enforcement agencies have a challenge in responding to GBV cases effectively.
He proposed capacity-building programmes to equip security personnel with the skills to handle such cases sensitively and efficiently. "Police officers need to be trained on how to effectively handle gender-based violence cases.
