A new day has dawned for victims of gender-based violence (GBV) in northern Kenya.
Rukia Abdinasir, wife of Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, stated the center will provide survivors with solitude since “people have been thronging the wards at the general hospital when GBV news breaks.”
“Victims are in distress and trauma, and they are being admitted to the same facility with general patience.” “We want to give family members as much space as possible,” said Rukia, who commissioned the facility.
According to Rukia, following the drought caused by six failed rainy seasons, women’s welfare is at the top of Mr. Abdullahi’s priority, and he has established a revolving fund and a disability fund.
“We will stand by the victims in their hour of need and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.” “The days of rape discussions taking place outside of the court system are long gone.”
The facility will provide survivors with essential, medical, and social assistance under one roof and will serve as a “safe haven.” County Health Executive Halima Ali stated that her office outfitted and manned the facility since the department was receiving two GBV cases each week and the issue was becoming out of control.
According to Rukia, women in the Somali community are breadwinners and an important part of what keeps the community together.
“As we are all aware, we are in the middle of a ravaging drought. This has truly had devastating effects on women and girls who have been playing significant roles in their families. I firmly believe we must join hands to ensure maximum support to our women and girls with strategic initiatives to ensure they are safe and healthy and our young girls access education,” she said.
According to the Wajir East police station gender desk, 65 per cent of cases reported to the police are related to women and include rape, attempted rape, defilement and early marriage.
