Breaking the Silence: Can Kenya fulfil its promise to protect women?

As the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign commences, the growing crisis of violence against women and girls in Kenya raises an urgent question: What more must be done to uphold the safety and dignity of women and girls? Despite global and local efforts, many still face unfulfilled promises of protection, leaving them vulnerable to escalating threats like femicide. The National Police Service recently reported 339 femicide cases between August and October 2024. These numbers are not just statistics; they are broken families, shattered communities, and lives lost to a preventable epidemic. The alarming statistic emphasizes the urgent need for action to protect survivors and prevent further occurrences.

Islamic Relief has been part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign spearheaded by the United Nations, standing firm against gender-based violence and working to inspire change. Islamic Relief Kenya is actively participating in this year’s 16 Days of Activism against GBV campaign under the theme, Broken Promises. This theme reflects on the unfulfilled commitments to protect, respect and uphold the rights and dignity of women, while also serving as a rallying call for practical solutions and collective action.

“In our communities, gender-based violence is often shrouded in silence, enabling it to persist,” said Hassan Abdille, Islamic Relief Kenya’s Country Director. “When GBV is ignored or justified, it breaks the promise to safeguard the vulnerable, particularly women and girls. We are calling for collaborative efforts, that include religious leaders, to eradicate GBV. Faith leaders hold a sacred responsibility to guide their communities, and it is time they take a firm stand.”

Local solutions rooted in faith

In Garissa and Wajir Counties, Islamic Relief Kenya has been leading faith-based interventions to address GBV at the grassroots level. These initiatives challenge entrenched myths and harmful societal biases that perpetuate violence towards women and girls. Through open dialogues rooted in faith and compassion, communities are beginning to address the stigma and silence that surround GBV.

One of the initiatives supported by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is initiating a series of workshops in Garissa County involving 300 community leaders, including law enforcement, religious leaders and health workers to enhance awareness, encourage empathy, and promote proactive measures to prevent GBV and support survivors.

Out of these sessions, 10 advocacy groups formed by 60 workshop participants have initiated community-level discussions with an additional 300 individuals, spreading messages of prevention and care while addressing the intersection of GBV and HIV.

Faith leaders have emerged as powerful advocates in these efforts. Imam Ahmed Omar, who leads one of the advocacy groups, has incorporated GBV awareness into his sermons, challenging the stigma and encouraging open conversations within his community.

“Every act of violence towards our women goes against the values of faith,” said Imam Ahmed. “When faith leaders collaborate with health workers, law enforcement, and legal advocates, we effectively tackle GBV and HIV-related issues from all angles. Let’s honour our faith and end these broken promises for our women and girls.”

Reaching communities through local media

To expand the reach of these critical conversations, Islamic Relief Kenya has produced 11 radio broadcasts aired across local stations in Garissa and Wajir Counties this year. These 30-minute segments tackle ‘taboo’ topics, creating an interactive platform for listeners to ask questions and engage in discussions about GBV. The broadcasts have been instrumental in breaking the silence around GBV, reaching audiences who might otherwise have no access to such information.

“The fight against GBV is not just a policy issue; it is a personal struggle that involves every one of us,” said Abdirashid Yussuf, Programme Manager at Islamic Relief Kenya. “These radio segments and open discussion forums are helping communities understand the gravity of GBV and encouraging them to take a stand.”

A call for collective action

“As we reflect on the unfulfilled promises that have left women and girls vulnerable, we must renew our collective commitment to their safety,” added Abdille. “Real change begins with breaking the silence, challenging harmful norms, and building a society where women can live without fear. We must renew our commitment as government, civil society, and a country to ensure the safety and equality of women and girls.”

Islamic Relief Kenya remains committed to addressing gender inequality and GBV through a lens of faith and compassion. The scale of GBV in Kenya demands broader action. We have to expand education programs, ensure access to justice, and engage men and boys as allies in the fight against GBV to create a future where women and girls can live free from violence—a future where their dignity and rights are fully upheld.

Because every life lost is one too many.