Mombasa: Women's Rights Organisations Concerned Over High SGBV Cases at the Coast

• Non-governmental organisations in the coastal region expressed concerns over the rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against women and children
• The organisations lamented that despite the existence of good policies, implementation remains a challenge
• They demanded the inclusion of all stakeholders to increase the chance of the fight against the vices being won

Mombasa: Non-governmental organisations have called for effective enforcement of essential policies aimed at curbing and preventing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against women and children in the coastal region.

According to the executive director of the Collaboration of Women in Development (CWID), Betty Sharon, SGBV continues to pose a danger to women and children, despite the joint efforts of various organisations to combat it.

“Even though we are actively engaging with the community to prevent SGBV, enhance access to climate justice, and promote women's economic empowerment, numerous negative occurrences persist,” Sharon lamented.

Read also

Elgeyo Marakwet: Father Alloys Bett’s murder sparks major crackdown on Kerio Valley bandits

Why SGBV cases remain high in Kenya

The official urged the government to guarantee the full execution of the policies, which she identified as the primary obstacle to achieving a community free of SGBV.

"We possess some of the finest policies in the nation, yet their implementation is lacking, and this is the main issue. Executing the policy should involve a cooperative effort from all stakeholders,” said the CWID boss.

“When policies are disregarded, as has been the case in Kenya, we will not succeed in this battle, and this is exacerbated by corruption within the country,” she added.

Sharon spoke during a gathering that brought together women-led organisations and stakeholders from the Coast region.

Can empowering women economically reduce SGBV?

On her part, the executive director of the Africa Muslim Women Action Network, Ulfat Hussein Masibo, emphasised the importance of economically empowering women to foster self-sufficiency.

Read also

City lawyer moves to court to stop William Ruto from hiring more advisors, halt pay for current 21

The Muslim women activist pointed out that cultural and religious obstacles contribute to economic injustices and called for ongoing advocacy efforts to reach a broader audience of women.

"Women are frequently excluded from discussions on economic equity and empowerment. We face cultural and religious hurdles that obstruct the pursuit of economic justice, and we want to ensure that empowerment programs are in place to guarantee equal access to economic justice,” Masibo said.

She urged the government to guarantee the free distribution of sanitary products in schools to allow girls to enjoy their right to good health.

“The bodily autonomy of a girl belongs to her; the government should provide free tampons and sanitary towels just as condoms are freely available for men,” she added.

Masibo also encouraged parents to engage in open discussions about the challenges faced by girls.

GBV cases against Kirinyaga men

Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported that concern was raised over increased cases of men facing gender-based violence in Kirinyaga.

Read also

Video: Museveni, First Lady Janet apologise to Ugandans for mistakes done during their 40-year rule

In a public participation forum conducted in the county, land issues, alcoholism and drug abuse were listed among the contributors of men falling victim to GBV.

Some of the victims who attended the forum shared their harrowing experiences.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke