Kenya is grappling with a crisis of femicide and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), resulting in the deaths of numerous women and girls.
According to Africa Data Hub, Kenya recorded approximately 127 femicide cases, while the 2024 Kenya Security Report revealed over 7,100 reported cases of GBV, since September 2023.
The alarming rise in cases prompted the Kenyan government to form a special committee to address the crisis.
In response to this urgent issue, self-defense knowledge has become a vital tool for women and girls, equipping them with the skills to protect themselves and assert their right to safety.
Polycom Girls in partnership with UNFPA commemorated International Women’s Day under the theme, ‘Accelerate Action’ with a Taekwondo Self-defense and Personal Safety Session at Rowland Camp.
This initiative aims to empower adolescent girls and young women by providing them with essential self-defense skills and personal safety knowledge.
Speaking during the event in Nairobi, the founder of Polycom Girls, Jane Anyango, emphasized the importance of preventative measures for creating a space where girls can learn to take care of themselves, say No to violence and advocate for their safety.
“This is about empowering women with knowledge, confidence, and self-protection skills,” she said, pointing out that the day’s session had 120 girls, but the numbers would increase as the program gets introduced to other counties.
UNFPA Kenya, GBV and Gender Advisor Caroline Murgor highlighted that the ‘Sports for Protection’ program which they have been running, has been instrumental in escalating awareness about GBV among young people.
“Through this initiative, young people learn how to protect themselves from violence while also becoming champions of change in their communities,” she said.
She further noted that addressing femicide and GBV must be holistic, involving both men and boys as allies in creating a safer society.
Taekwondo Coach Specializing in Self-Defense, Caroline Ambani, reiterated that self-defense is not about fighting, but about empowerment and safety.
“Femicide is rampant. I believe that by equipping girls with self-defense skills, we can contribute to reducing these tragic cases. It is crucial that they learn how to protect themselves and stay safe,” she said.
Master Benson Voiya, Chairman of the Nairobi Taekwondo Association, stressed the importance of training women in self-defense, as they are disproportionately affected by GBV.
Daniel Ochieng Maboso, a representative from one of the schools engaged in Polycom’s programs, underscored the challenges girls face, including unsafe home environments, lack of sanitary pads and cultural barriers.
He called for greater incorporation of self-defense training in school curriculums.
In her speech, UNFPA Deputy Representative, Pilar de la Corte Molina pointed out that every ten minutes, a girl or woman somewhere in the world dies in the hands of an intimate partner or as a result of gender-based violence.
“While self-defense training builds confidence, the real solution lies in policy-making, community engagement, and working with stakeholders to create an environment where women and girls are treated equally,” she said.
Molina said Tae-kwondo self-defense sessions are serving as a powerful platform for advocacy, awareness, and action in addressing gender-based violence and femicide.
“We call upon the media to amplify this crucial conversation and urge the government, communities, and institutions to take stronger action in protecting women and girls,” she said.
By Anita Omwenga
