Agnes Kagure: PHOTO[COURTESY]
In Nairobi, a group of emerging women leaders from the Agnes Kagure Foundation has raised a powerful alarm about the rising tide of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya. They are urging everyone including leaders, policymakers, law enforcement, and everyday citizens to take immediate action to confront this urgent crisis.
The Foundation’s recent statement highlights a pressing need for justice for victims and accountability for those who commit these crimes. They emphasize that current laws must be enforced more strictly to ensure that perpetrators face serious consequences. “No woman should ever feel that her pain will go unanswered,” they stated, advocating for stronger legal measures to protect women and girls.
Additionally, the Foundation is calling on the government to create more shelters and support centers for survivors, offering crucial services like medical care, counseling, and legal assistance without delay or discrimination.
To make a lasting impact, they stress the importance of changing societal attitudes toward women and girls. They believe that a cultural shift is essential to reduce GBV and femicide. “Violence against women thrives where there’s a lack of empowerment and opportunity,” they pointed out, urging stakeholders to invest in programs that uplift women economically and socially. This support can help break the cycles of dependency and abuse that many face.
Recent media reports have shed light on a worrying increase in abduction and murder cases across the country, prompting the leaders to rally all Kenyans with a decisive message: “Enough is enough!”
So far in 2024, the National Police Service has reported 339 murder cases, a significant rise compared to previous years. High-profile tragedies, including the murders of Dahabo Daud Said and Amina Abdirashid Dahir, highlight the urgent need to address GBV in the country.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has voiced concern over these alarming trends and is currently overseeing investigations into the recent cases. He encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, emphasizing that community involvement is key to curbing this violence.
As the Foundation calls for action, it’s clear that the fight against gender-based violence requires not just legal reforms but also a transformation in how society views and supports women and girls.
