Migori: Migori Women Representative Fatuma Mohammed has reaffirmed her commitment to fighting Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the county. Speaking to residents of North Kadem Ward, Nyatike Sub County, during a women's empowerment drive, Fatuma emphasized the importance of unity in the fight against gender-based violence, particularly during the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

According to Kenya News Agency, the 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence takes place annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, World Human Rights Day. This year's theme, 'Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls', aims to honor survivors and emphasize that their rights matter. Fatuma, who also visited other empowered women's groups in the area to assess the impact of her previous empowerment programs, stated that proper women and youth empowerment is crucial in addressing the challenges of SGBV.

Fatuma noted, 'If our women are empowered, then GBV violence will greatly reduce because the major cause of GBV is the socio-economic challenges.' She urged all gender stakeholders to join hands and sensitize the community on the need to protect women and girls from violence and for collective action to prevent and respond to cases of gender-based violence.

In Kenya, more than a third of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, and at least one in eight have faced sexual violence. In the last half-decade, Kenya has been witnessing an escalation of femicide and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). Data compiled by the Africa Data Hub (2024) indicates that more than 930 female murders have been reported since 2016. United Nations Women findings of 2024 also revealed that 41 percent of married Kenyan women have suffered physical violence from their husbands.

During the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence in Migori on November 25, 2025, Migori County Chief Officer in Charge of Gender Inclusivity, Culture, and Social Services, Professor Rose Odhiambo, called for a multifaceted approach to address the issue. She emphasized the involvement of the county government, national government, community leaders, civil society, and technology stakeholders. 'We must go beyond policy formulation and work actively to protect the digital rights and safety of women and girls,' she urged.

Odhiambo also announced that the county government, through the Directorate of Gender Inclusivity, Culture, and Social Services, will launch initiatives to combat digital violence. These initiatives include a payroll program aimed at mobilizing the community to confront harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), intimate partner violence, and child abuse.