Murang’a: The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has embarked on a nationwide sensitisation programme aimed at addressing increased cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The programme, which will include a special forum for men, is set to begin in Murang’a County before moving to other parts of the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, NGEC Commissioner Mbithuka Nzomo noted that the initiative will involve setting up sensitisation camps in every county. These camps will engage communities about effective policies and interventions to combat GBV cases in the country. A two-day sanitisation forum in Murang’a will kick off on Wednesday at Maragua and feature discussions with the community and especially men from the county. Nzomo explained that the forum will explore strategies and interventions to reduce GBV cases, including a special sitting for men who have been overlooked but are suffering from GBV.
Nzomo, who led a team from NGEC to pay a courtesy call at the offices of Murang’a governor and that of the county commissioner, decried increased cases of GBV countrywide. He said the commission will partner with National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and county governments to come up with appropriate measures to handle the cases. In Murang’a, Nzomo highlighted that the prevalence of GBV stood at 53 percent for reported cases, indicating there are also many more incidences which are unreported. He identified abuse of drugs and alcoholism as a major contributing factor to femicide, discrimination, and GBV in the county and beyond.
Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha expressed concerns over the alarming rate of GBV cases, noting that security agencies report at least one death weekly due to domestic violence. He also mentioned that cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) are slowly emerging in the county, associating the illegal practice with outlawed gangs and sects. Nkanatha urged people to report FGM incidents without fear of victimisation and called for the establishment of organisations and policies that empower male victims who have been overlooked.
Murang’a County Secretary Dr. Newton Mwangi noted that the county has been educating youth and empowering them with programmes to deter them from alcoholism and drug abuse. He confirmed that cases of GBV in the county have been on the rise, saying the county administration, with the help of other stakeholders, including NGEC, will derive measures to tackle the menace. Mwangi called for inclusive solutions to tackle GBV in the county and create a safe space for all victims. He emphasised the importance of educating youths on ways to reduce GBV by engaging them in various programmes that empower them and discourage substance abuse.
