There is a need to focus on preventing the occurrence of gender-based violence (GBV) cases at the community level to contain the vice in the country, State Department of Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary (PS) Anne Wang’ombe has said.
Ms. Wang’ombe, who was being taken around the Gender Based Violence Recovery Centre (GBVRC) at Makueni County Referral Hospital in Wote town, said that communities need to be educated about gender equality and harmful norms and practices by empowering women and girls to claim their rights in society.
She urged leaders, community members, parents, and non-governmental organisations to become champions for change towards attaining gender equality in homes, schools, and workplaces to end the vice
The PS called for concerted efforts from all government agencies and development partners to curb the GBV cases that were taking a worrying trend in the country, thereby impacting negatively on women and girls in the society.
“Prevention starts with awareness, and I urge all leaders, community members, parents, and workers in government to become champions for gender equality in our homes, schools, and workplaces,” Wang’ombe said.
“Communities must also be educated about gender equality and the harmful norms practiced in society. This will enhance and empower women and girls to claim their rightful place in the community,” she posed.
While noting that Makueni is a hotspot of GBV cases in the country, the PS lauded the county government of Makueni for establishing gender policy that will foster inclusivity and equality.
“I appreciate Makueni County for the proactive approach in establishing gender policy that brings balance in leadership, decision-making, and resource allocation. This ensures both men and women are empowered to contribute to societal development,” she said.
Wang’ombe said that GBV remains a deep-rooted issue that threatens the social fabric of our nation, saying collective efforts to address the vice through the establishment of a recovery centre was paramount.
The PS noted that for maximum benefits to be realised at the recovery centre, it was imperative to have the resources, staff, and infrastructure needed to serve survivors effectively and sustainably.
Additionally, Wang’ombe said the recovery centre must be owned by the community so as to thrive and foster a sense of collective responsibility to avoid the facility becoming a government project.
“The continuous operation of this centre will depend on secure and reliable funding. I urge the national and county governments and development partners to ensure the facility remains financially stable, allowing the provision of free and affordable services to survivors who seek help,” she noted.
“The government must ensure that the necessary capacity-building programmes are in place and equip our professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the complexities of GBV cases,” Wang’ombe added.
Speaking at the same event, Makueni Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili said that the county government was committed to ending GBV in collaboration with development partners in the county.
Speaking at the function, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Nairobi Women Hospital, Sam Nzioka, said there was a need for a multi-sectoral approach to end the vice that was affecting Makueni County.
It should be observed that Nairobi Women are the sponsors of the construction of the recovery centre in Makueni.
Present at the event included Makueni County Commissioner Henry Wafula and Gender Executive Committee Member Eng. Peter Mumo, among other government officials in the county.
By Patrick Nyakundi
