The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), has integrated Gender Based Violence (GBV) measures into educational activities and programs in schools because it provides individuals and learners with knowledge, resources, and skills to recognize, resist and end GBV.
NGEC in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has come up with innovative ideas and interventions that have helped in prevention of GBV in schools and communities, such as use of Karate Program, Drama, Arts, sports, convening of Trainers of Teachers (TOT) training of 30 Primary and Secondary school teachers in Machakos, as well as College lecturers on effective GBV training and prevention.
NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa, while speaking at Machakos Teachers College during a workshop on Empowering Education against GBV under NGEC-JICA GBV elimination project, said that GBV is a great violation of human rights and is also a barrier to gender equality and education plays a crucial part in challenging norms and behaviors promoting GBV.
“By focusing on education, we are taking proactive steps to dismantle the harmful stereotypes, cultural norms, and inequities that fuel GBV and empowering individuals to recognize, resist and prevent violence in all its forms,” said Rehema.
The Commission Chair added that GBV has been on a high trajectory and spreading widely in Kenya especially in the past week, as it impacts individuals of all genders, ages and backgrounds, which often leave physical and psychological scars that are difficult to heal and forget.
Additionally, Rehema pointed out through the NGEC-JICA GBV project some of the innovative ideas have already been executed in Machakos, Kajiado, and Nairobi counties and communities and are yielding promising results, especially in schools, as they plan to scale the GBV prevention project to include other regions.
“The strategies are yielding positive results, and by integrating GBV prevention into education, we can work towards a future where everyone lives free from violence and discrimination,” added Rehema.
The Chair noted that they are soon launching a book that will support survivors of GBV as the government is trying to come up with safe houses to accommodate the victims of GBV.
She urged the different stakeholders from the county government, Education and National government to remain resolute in their commitment to driving positive change.
A Commissioners from NGEC, Mbithuka Nzomo on his part said that there is a need for schools, organizations and communities to develop and facilitate a safe space for children and youths to speak up.
Nzomo added that teachers need to be alert to note changes in their learners for early intervention and prevention of GBV.
“Kids speak up when there is safe space for them and we need to facilitate that so that we can intervene,” Commissioner Nzomo.
By Anne Kangero
