Kiambu County department for Gender and Affirmative Action has launched a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) data collection tool to document survivors and perpetrators.
The tool will assist in collecting GBV data with the information designed to ensure that GBV actors are collecting a common set of data points.
The tool will further enhance the accuracy and efficiency of SGBV data collection, ensuring that cases are meticulously tracked and reported.
Speaking at the Kiambu Bus Park during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Olympia Karimi, the Kiambu Director for Gender and Affirmative Action said that this development is said to be part of a broader strategy to address SGBV comprehensively across Kiambu.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign, observed globally, begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 and runs through International Human Rights Day on December 10 to raise awareness and inspire action to combat gender-based violence.
The Campaign further seeks to not only raise awareness, challenge societal norms that perpetuate violence, and promote safety for all individuals regardless of age or gender but also uniting communities to take a stand against SGBV and ensure no one suffers in silence.
Speaking at the Kiambu Bus Park during the launch on Tuesday, Karimi, underscored the importance of unity in eradicating violence.
“This year’s theme calls for united action to enhance protections, hold perpetrators accountable, and foster a culture of respect and dignity. The government remains committed to enforcing laws, addressing root causes, and ensuring survivors have access to justice and support systems,” Karimi said.
Kiambu Deputy County Commissioner (DCC)Titus Macharia reinforced the government’s commitment to addressing SGBV through collaboration with the community.
“We must work together to promote a culture of good morals at the family level. Many SGBV cases are linked to drug and alcohol abuse, and mental health issues. We will ensure perpetrators are held accountable while also addressing these root causes,” he said.
Acknowledging the role of faith-based organisations, Macharia thanked churches for their continued efforts in supporting survivors of SGBV and urged residents to cultivate values of respect and dignity at all levels of society.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Gender, Culture, and Social Services, Nancy Gichungw’a, called for transformative action through education and cultural reform.
“Education is key in changing mindsets that perpetuate violence. Teaching young people about respect, consent, and equality lays a foundation for a society where violence is not tolerated,” she said.
Gichungw’a highlighted the need for integrating gender equality and human rights education into schools and addressing harmful cultural practices that fuel SGBV.
“We must challenge and reshape cultural narratives to ensure our rich heritage does not become an excuse for violence,” she added and stressed the importance of robust social services to support survivors,
“I want to urge the County social service desks to remain accessible and responsive. Survivors must feel protected, and perpetrators must be held accountable. Our systems must work to shield the most vulnerable among us,” Gichungw’a emphasised.
This year’s campaign is themed “Unite to End Gender-Based Violence”, emphasising collective action to combat SGBV.
The National Launch of 16 Days of campaign against Gender-Based Violence was hosted in Makueni County. President William Ruto also allocated Sh100 million for the campaign.
By Sylvia Wanjohi
