Kenya Demographic and Health Survey Reveals High Rates of Gender-Based Violence

Nairobi – A recent report by the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) has revealed startling statistics on gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya, indicating that four in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner.

According to Kenya News Agency, The KDHS findings, presented during the launch of the ‘Activate Nairobi’ campaign at the University of Nairobi, shed light on other concerning issues: around one in four girls in Kenya are married early, and approximately one in five undergo female genital mutilation (FGM). ‘Activate Nairobi,’ a campaign marking the global sixteen days of activism against gender violence, is a collaborative effort involving Kenya’s Department of Gender Affairs, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (Aics), the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC), and the Embassy of Italy in Kenya.

The event featured a round-table discussion and was inaugurated by Italian Ambassador to Kenya Roberto Natali and Deputy Minister of the Department for Gender and Affirmative Action in Kenya Anne Wang’ombe. Wang’ombe emphasized the crucial role of gender equality and women’s empowerment in eradicating poverty and building a society based on sustainable development, social justice, and human rights.

Statistics from The Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW-Kenya) revealed over 3,762 cases of GBV reported in 2022, with women reporting 2,985 of these incidents. Ambassador Natali highlighted the importance of educating children about respect, equality, and non-violence.

Charlene Ruto, the First Daughter and Youth Champion, spoke at the launch, stressing the importance of involving young women, particularly those with disabilities, in policy formulation for more comprehensive and sustainable strategies. She called for continued efforts to champion inclusivity and amplify diverse voices in combating global warming.

The event, attended by over 500 students, also focused on the intersection of climate change and female empowerment. It featured the testimonies and experiences of four women activists, including Charlene Ruto, Elizabeth Wathuti, Francesca Di Matteo, and Professor Mary Lucia Mbithi. Their discussion on combating climate change coincided with the opening of the ‘I Want You to Know’ photographic exhibition, a collaboration between the Mwelu Foundation and Italian photographer Gaia Squarci, a National Geographic scholar.

Giovanni Grandi, Head of Aics Regional Office of Nairobi, underscored the importance of cooperation initiatives in empowering women in various societal sectors. Elena Gallenca, Director of the IIC, noted the underrepresentation of women’s voices in culture and the campaign’s aim to highlight Italian culture in the global fight against gender violence.

The ‘Activate Nairobi’ campaign, running until December 10th, includes various events such as theatre performances, stand-up comedy shows, film screenings, and forums dedicated to survivors of gender violence, authorities, and stakeholders, to raise awareness about violence against women in Nairobi.