Femicide, the killing of women because of their gender, it is becoming a big problem in Kenya and can be said to be reaching pandemic level. Since 2016, more than 500 women have been killed, and the numbers keep esccalating. This kind of violence leaves families in pain, weakens communities, and holds back progress for everyone. As Kenya continiously participates in the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, it is important to talk about what’s happening and figure out how to stop it.
How Femicide Affects Kenya
Femicide has serious effects on women, their families, and society. Women are scared to live
their lives freely, and families lose loved ones, leaving children to grow up without mothers.
Communities also lose valuable members who contribute greatly to their societies, which slows down development and increases poverty.
In 2024, 97 women were killed within just a few months, most of them young. These killings are often brutal, and many cases remain unsolved. This leaves women feeling unprotected and emboldens criminals who believe they can act without consequences.
Comparing Kenya to Other African CountriesThe problem is not unique to Kenya. Other African countries, such as South Africa and Nigeria, face similar challenges. South Africa, for instance, has one of the highest femicide rates in the world, with a woman killed every three hours. In many countries, weak laws, harmful cultural practices, and limited resources make it difficult to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable.
How We Can Stop Femicide
Ending femicide needs a mix of better laws, stronger law enforcement, and more community
support. Here are some practical solutions:
1. Stronger Laws: Make femicide a specific crime in Kenya’s laws with tougher penalties for offenders. Set up special courts to handle cases quickly, so families don’t wait years for justice.
2. Better Police Response: Train police to handle gender-based violence cases respectfully and professionally. Make sure investigations are thorough and monitored for accountability.
3. Educating the Public: Teach communities why femicide happens and how it hurts everyone. Use TV, radio, and social media to spread messages against violence.
4. Support for Survivors: Build shelters for women escaping violence and provide counseling for victims and families. Create job programs for women so they can be financially independent.
5. Work with Other Countries: Learn from places like Rwanda and Tunisia, where good programs are helping reduce violence. Partner with international organizations for funding and expertise.
Role of the 16 Days of Activism
The 16 Days of Activism campaign was a chance for Kenya to raise awareness about femicide and push for change. This would have encouraged everyone—government, organizations, and individuals—to work together to protect women and create a safer future. By using this platform, we can bring attention to the issue and start building solutions.
Conclusion
Femicide is not just a women’s issue; it affects us all, the safety of women is the corner stone of any society.
By Ian Otieno Okoth
Ian Otieno is an activist dedicated to empowering sexual minorities, women, and girls in Kenya. With expertise in counseling, gender-based violence awareness, and youth mentorship, Ian provides Psychological First Aid (PFA) to support individuals facing discrimination or violence due to their identity or sexual orientation.
He has worked extensively to empower adolescent girls and young women through Evidence-Based Interventions (EBI), promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing risky behaviors. Ian is passionate about sexual and reproductive health education and has led workshops to create safe spaces for youth to learn and grow.
Driven by a commitment to ending stigma and discrimination, Ian advocates for equal rights and strives to build an inclusive society where everyone can live with dignity and achieve their potential.
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