Spare no effort to end femicide and all forms of GBV

Kenyan women and human rights organizations match along the streets of  Nairobi to protest against the rising femicide cases in the country on Jan 27, 2024. [Collins oduor, Standard]

The revelation that more than 100 women have been killed in the last six months alone through femicide is worrying. The World Health Organisation defines femicide as the intentional killing of women because they are women. This unnerving trend has cast a dark shadow on our nation’s conscience, and calls for a swift and decisive response.

Since September 2023, a shocking 7,107 incidents of sexual and gender-based cases have been recorded, a pointer to the gravity of the matter.

Statistics reveal that major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu and Nakuru have reported the highest incidents of femicide, with the main perpetrators mostly being intimate partners.

The effects of these crimes are manifold. Apart from destroying families, they weaken the very core of our society. The horrible killings put into sharp focus the widespread social problems stemming from gender inequity and toxic male behaviour.

The rising cases of femicide are a stark reminder that the country must wake up and rethink its approach to the matter.

In a country where about half of the population comprises women, the worrying trend sets a bad precedent and must stop.  The right to human life, as provided for in the Constitution, has inherent worth and merits dignity and respect. Taking human life is a grave offence since it violates the sanctity of human existence. Furthermore, it leaves traumatising memories on members of the family, friends and the community.

Ending femicide calls for collective responsibility that trickles down from the government to the members of the community. Every woman and girl deserves to live free from the threat of violence.

It is encouraging that the government has taken concrete steps to address the issue, putting in place institutions to enforce laws that ensure justice for the victims.

Actionable solutions

One such measure is the establishment of the Specialised Missing Persons police unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Homicide Unit to tackle femicide and related cases. A presidential working group, led by former Chief Justice Nancy Barasa, tasked with the formulation of actionable solutions, has already been sworn in.

While this is commendable, it is worth noting that the government has a long way to go to rid the justice system of corrupt elements that render it ineffective. So many task forces have been formed, with attendant dozens of practical recommendations made on various issues. To restore public faith, the government must implement recommendations of the Barasa-led team to the letter once submitted.   

Over the years, the media has played a major role in amplifying the gravity of femicide by reporting the cases. Ethical reporting is encouraged as it respects the dignity of victims while avoiding sensationalism. Such reporting can influence public perception and yield better outcomes.

Ultimately, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive societal shift to address the root causes of femicide. Practical interventions must include challenging the deeply-rooted patriarchal norms, promoting gender equality and enhancing public awareness.

Recognising the family as the core of any functional society, peaceful conflict resolution should always be prioritised. Let’s not be a society that resorts to killing at the slightest provocation or as the solution to setbacks, including petty disagreements.

The government has declared gender-based violence as the most urgent threat to our society. Rightfully so. The rising cases of femicide are a wake-up call for collective action. It is incumbent upon every one of us to challenge the harmful norms, and support survivors and advocate for justice.

Only through a united and sustained effort can we hope to eradicate this scourge and build a safer more equitable society for all.