WORLD VISION KENYA CALLS FOR ACTION AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) commence under the theme Unite to End Violence Against Women, World Vision Kenya (WVK) is making an urgent appeal for collective action to address the rising crisis of GBV, femicide, and violence experienced by women and girls in Kenya. 

Globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In Kenya, the statistics are equally alarming: – 45% of women have faced physical or sexual violence according to Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

44% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while 13% have faced sexual violence in 2023 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. 75% of female homicide victims in the past eight years were killed by intimate partners or family members, with 80% of these incidents occurring at home according to UN Women, Gender- Based Violence in Kenya: Insights from the 2020 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. 

These numbers represent the lived realities of countless women and girls in Kenya who face violence where they should feel safest—their homes and communities. World Vision Kenya’s Commitment to Action, through its Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) is addressing the root causes of GBV by empowering individuals and communities, fostering gender equality, and promoting sustainable social change. 

Key interventions include: Economic Empowerment Programs: Enhancing financial independence for women through gender-responsive market systems, savings groups, and inclusive business models. Community-Based Initiatives: Programs like Kilifi Child Protection, Channels of Hope for Gender, and Becoming One engage communities, faith leaders, and men as allies to challenge harmful norms and promote safe, respectful relationships. Support for Survivors: WVK has provided legal aid, health services, and psychosocial support to over 200 GBV survivors in Kilifi County alone.

World Vision Kenya calls on: Government Leaders to enforce laws and ensure justice for survivors. Faith Communities to champion women’s rights and create safe spaces for survivors. Media and Civil Society to amplify survivors’ voices and raise awareness and Community Members to challenge harmful norms, report abuse, and support survivors.