The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), has integrated Gender Based Violence (GBV) measures into educational activities and programs in schools because it provides individuals and learners with knowledge, resources, and skills to recognize, resist and end GBV.
NGEC in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has come up with innovative ideas and interventions that have helped in prevention of GBV in schools and communities, such as use of Karate Program, Drama, Arts, sports, convening of Trainers of Teachers (TOT) training of 30 Primary and Secondary school teachers in Machakos, as well as College lecturers on effective GBV training and prevention.
NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa, while speaking at Machakos Teachers College during a workshop on Empowering Education against GBV under NGEC-JICA GBV elimination project, said that GBV is a great violation of human rights and is also a barrier to gender equality and education plays a crucial part in challenging norms and behaviors promoting GBV. "By focusing on education, we are taking proactive steps to dismantle the harmful stereotypes, cultural norms, and inequities that fuel GBV and empowering individuals to recognize, resist and prevent violence in all its forms," said Rehema.
The Commission Chair added that GBV has been on a high trajectory and spreading widely in Kenya especially in the past week, as it impacts individuals of all genders, ages and backgrounds, which often leave physical and psychological scars that are difficult to heal and forget.
