A Murang’a-based women’s lobby has opted to engage boda boda riders in a campaign against gender-based violence (GBV).
Officials of Golden Women Empowerment and Support Group have considered fully engaging the riders, as some of them have been implicated in violating the rights of women.
The group’s Coordinator, Mary Mwangi, on Monday said boda boda riders interact with many people and are able to crisscross interior parts of the country; thus, they are able to access GBV cases.
She said the lobby group will train and sensitise the boda boda operators on the best ways of protecting women’s rights.
“After the training of the riders, we expect them to be champions and advocates against gender-based violence, considering violence against women has been on the increase not only in Murang’a but in many parts of the country,” said Ms. Mwangi.
Easily accessing information on GBV cases, the coordinator said they will be in a position to act swiftly and help the victims.
“Our target is to have boda boda riders as our eyes on the ground because they are able to get to the interior, and usually they have massive connections with people; thus they are able to pick up a lot of information which they can share with us so as to help the victims of GBV,” she remarked.
Ms. Mwangi further noted that they are also creating self-awareness and defence mechanisms for women to avoid falling victim to their attackers.
“In our campaigns, we are also educating women on how to enhance their safety around perpetrators of violence and always be on the lookout for any unusual behaviour,” she added.
The coordinator further cited some cultural practices in the community as factors that influence GBV.
She noted in some communities it’s ok for men to assault their women without being questioned, saying this is not acceptable in contemporary society.
“It’s unfortunate that there are men who believe beating up women is normal, and they do it to try to assert authority over them, and I feel this is a retrogressive cultural practice,” noted Ms. Mwangi.
She observed that the mushrooming cultural groups and outlawed sects still make it difficult to eradicate the violence against women.
The Chairman of Boda Boda Operators in Murang’a, Peter Mwangi, attributed increased GBV cases to abuse of drugs and alcoholism among men.
Mr. Mwangi divulged that some boda boda operators have been implicated in attacking their women customers.
“Some riders take advantage of women and turn against them, especially when they ferry them at night or in many excluded places,” he stated.
The chairman further revealed that boda boda riders are notorious for sexually harassing young girls, saying they should face the law for their actions.
“I laud this programme for enlightening the riders on matters to do with gender and protection of women. I want to urge my colleagues to treat and respect our female customers as our sisters, mothers, and wives. Let’s all join hands and protect them from any form of abuse,” averred Mwangi.
By Bernard Munyao
