STORY By ORAYO JUNE DEZINAVEL
To stop violence against women, a multifaceted approach is needed, including prioritizing prevention by addressing root causes like gender inequality and violence, strengthening legal frameworks and justice systems, and supporting survivors and their families.
When a woman shares her story of violence, it is the first step in breaking the cycle of abuse.|FILE
When a woman shares her story of violence, she takes the first step to breaking the cycle of abuse.
It is upon all of us to give her the safe space she needs to speak up and be heard.
It is important to remember that when discussing cases of sexual violence, a victim’s sobriety, clothes, and sexuality are irrelevant.
Survivors of violence are speaking out more than ever before, and everyone has a role to play to ensure they can have justice.
On November 25, a powerful march took place in Nairobi, calling for an end to femicide and gender-based violence. The event, which brought together hundreds of individuals from various backgrounds, aimed to raise awareness about the alarming rise in violence against women in Kenya. Organized by a coalition of women’s rights groups, the march was held in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marking a global effort to combat violence and discrimination faced by women and girls.
The protesters, including activists, survivors, and concerned citizens, gathered in a central location before marching through the streets of Nairobi. They carried signposts and banners demanding justice, with messages such as “End femicide now” and “Justice for women.” These slogans echoed the growing frustration over the persistent rates of gender-based violence, including the rising number of femicides, or killings of women because of their gender.
As the march moved through the city, speakers highlighted the systemic nature of gender-based violence, calling for stronger laws and better enforcement mechanisms to protect women. Many activists emphasized the importance of changing societal attitudes that often perpetuate violence and discrimination.
Personal testimonies from survivors added an emotional weight to the demonstration, reminding the crowd of the real, lived experiences of those affected by femicide and abuse.
The march culminated in a rally at a central park, where several prominent activists delivered impassioned speeches. They urged the government to prioritize the safety and rights of women by addressing the root causes of violence, improving support systems for survivors, and strengthening legal frameworks to hold perpetrators accountable. The event also underscored the need for comprehensive educational programs to challenge harmful gender norms and foster a culture of respect for women.
This demonstration was not only a call for justice but also a solemn reminder of the lives lost to gender-based violence. For many, it served as both a protest and a memorial, honoring those who had died while pushing for a future free from such violence. The march sparked wider conversations across the country about the need for urgent action to address the ongoing crisis.
In the days following the march, the calls for justice and reform continued to reverberate through Kenyan society, with activists vowing to maintain pressure on both the government and the public. The event served as a crucial reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done in the fight for gender equality and the protection of women’s rights.
The Feature Story Writer is a Second Year Student at Chuka University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies
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