Murang’a County women representative Betty Maina has raised concern over rampant cases of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) against women and girls in Murang’a County.
Speaking in Murang’a during an economic empowerment forum, Maina made a passionate appeal to the public and leaders at various levels as well as members of the National Government administration officers to unite in the fight against sexual and gender based violence that she said is widespread in the county.
The women representative regretted that the county was still registering a high number of reported cases of sexual and gender based violence against women and girls.
“Sexual and domestic violence are on rise here in Murang’a where our women and girls continue to fall victims. It breaks my heart that this county is always placed second amongst the counties that lead in perpetuating violence against women and girls,” she regretted.
“I appeal to all of you to stop these vices that violates the rights of our women and girls as that negates their economic and social development and empowerment,” she added.
A Kenya Health and Demographic Survey 2022 report by the Kenya National Bureau of statistics indicated that 54 percent of women aged 15 to 49 in Murang’a have experienced sexual violence
The survey also indicated 22 percent of women in Murang’a experienced physical violence a number that was higher compared to a countrywide figure of 16 percent.
Maina further decried a despicable SGBV act through which a young girl in her most productive years lost her life in Kabati two months ago.
“We all know of a young girl who was sexually assaulted and later dragged on the tarmac from Kenol to Kabati town by perpetrators who are still at large and who must be apprehended to face the full force of the law.
I will not rest until that is done,” stated Maina.
She called on Boda boda riders to join in the fight against the menace. “If you witness a girl in distress please rescue her and report the matter to the authorities. You will have rescued a sister, a child, or a mother from physical, sexual or psychological violence,” she noted.
A demographic and Health survey report released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicated that 54 percent of women aged 15 to 49 in Murang’a have experienced sexual violence.
Additionally, the survey placed women from the County who experienced sexual violence at 14 percent as compared to the countrywide statistics of 7 percent
During the event attended by hundreds, 2079 girls in the 12 schools in Kimorori Wempa ward received 16,632 packets of sanitary towels in a move aimed at bringing an end shame and stigma associated with menstruation and also promote menstrual hygiene.
The provision of the vital commodity will see all class 5, 6 and JSS girls receive eight packets of sanitary towels each, a program that will continue even in the next financial year
The women Rep noted that it is imperative to support the girls and end period shame and by so doing keep them in school.
“Making the sanitary towels accessible will not only be hygienic but it will also improve their academic performance in school as many girls shun going to school out of shame when their parents and guardians do not afford to buy them the towels,” she noted
Meanwhile, Maina called on leaders from the Mt. Kenya region to remain united behind the president and his deputy so as to continue sharing in the national cake and deliver their election manifestos.
The economic empowerment project forum was held at Thangira ACC grounds in Kimorori Wempa ward, Maragua constituency and attended by a group of leaders from the region and beyond.
All the 12 primary schools from the ward received a 5000 litres water tanks each to help in the water conservation, while seven self-help groups that applied and qualified for NGAAF grants received their cheques worth Sh150,000 each.
One of the self-help groups also received a 100 seater tent and 100 seats, while all the 850 elders present received a blanket each and some food supplies.
By Florence Kinyua
