The Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA), in collaboration with various human rights organizations, has officially launched a comprehensive campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Mandera County. The initiative aims to raise awareness, empower survivors, and strengthen community-level efforts to combat violence against women and girls.
The campaign, spearheaded by nominated Senator Mariam Sheikh, comes in response to an alarming rise in GBV cases, with over 400 incidents reported in the county in the past year alone. Addressing a gathering of mostly women, Senator Mariam emphasized the urgent need to break the silence surrounding GBV.
“The silence around GBV must end. Women must rise and speak out. This is not just a women’s issue—it is a societal crisis that demands urgent action,” she declared.
Senator Mariam affirmed KEWOSA’s commitment to advocating for stronger legislative frameworks and enhanced protection mechanisms for women and girls across Kenya. She called on both national and local leaders to prioritize GBV prevention in development agendas.
Mandera East Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Cheboton echoed the senator’s call to action, highlighting the importance of inclusive protection for all genders. He urged residents to make full use of available reporting channels, such as Gender Desks stationed in every police station within the county.
During the event, women leaders condemned the continued misuse of the Maslaha (traditional dispute resolution) system, which they argued often silences victims and allows perpetrators to go unpunished. They stressed that cultural practices must not override the pursuit of justice and human rights.
Religious leaders in attendance were also challenged to take a stronger moral stance on GBV. Speakers warned that downplaying the issue could amount to spiritual negligence, urging them to “fear God and stand firmly against all forms of violence.”
Despite persistent challenges, Mandera County has seen a marginal decline in Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), with official reports indicating a 0.2% decrease in prevalence over the past two years, an indicator of slow but hopeful progress.
KEWOSA’s campaign is expected to roll out in phases across other counties with high GBV prevalence, as part of a broader national strategy to end violence against women and girls in Kenya.
Written By Rodney Mbua
