Ruto commits Sh100m for campaign against GBV

President William Ruto during a meeting with women leaders on the increasing cases of femicide in the country at State House, Nairobi, on November 20, 2024. [PCS]

The government will provide Sh100 million for an awareness campaign against gender violence, President William Ruto has said.

Speaking Wednesday after meeting women MPs at State House, Nairobi, the President called for collaboration in combating cases of femicide.

“I urge every Kenyan to join this movement, to speak out, to educate and to stand united against femicide,” he said.

Ruto ordered that gender desks at police stations be enhanced, and similar facilities introduced in hospitals to ensure victims receive immediate attention and care.

As the country approaches the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, President Ruto said the women leaders had agreed to embark on the “Safe Homes, Safe Spaces” campaign to confront the vice.

“Women leaders and I stand united in declaring that femicide has no place in Kenya. Together, as a nation, through our concerted efforts, we shall eradicate this vice,” he said.

“We must be relentless in protecting the vulnerable in our midst and unwavering in our mission to create a society where every woman lives in safety, dignity and freedom from femicide.”

The President said leaders should always be united in their resolve to ensure that justice is swift and efficient.

“I have instructed the criminal justice actors to execute their mandates without delay and hold perpetrators of femicide fully accountable.”

He expressed concern that violence against every four out of five women is meted by intimate partners, which means that they are killed in places they consider safe.

At the same time, the President said young people need  to be equipped with the skills to navigate the risks they face in society.

“Social media has become a dangerous avenue for exploitation. I urge our youth to treat strangers on these platforms with utmost caution,” he said

He asked parents, schools, churches and community organisations to provide life skills, counselling and guidance.

The President urged religious leaders to use their platforms to speak positively about women and help the congregation understand that women’s rights are also human rights.

President Ruto pointed out that the government was committed to ensuring that the structures that respond and support survivors do not re-victimise them.

He noted that psycho-social support and safe spaces for women and children are a priority.

The President said communities need education on the signs and causes of abuse, and the resources available to victims.

“We must increase awareness of the availability of safe spaces where victims can seek refuge, toll-free hotlines such as GBV 1195, child helpline 116 and the DCI anonymous reporting number 0800 722 203. Counselling services, too, have toll lines that support victims.”