A protest, calling for an end to femicide and gender-based violence, was held in Nairobi, capital of Kenya on Tuesday. The protest brought together hundreds of individuals from various backgrounds to raise awareness about the alarming rise in violence against women in Kenya.
Organized by a coalition of women’s rights groups, the march marked the end of 16 Days of Activism Against Geneder-Based Violence campaign. The campaign was part of a global effort to combat violence and discrimination faced by women and girls.
”We want the government to declare femicide as a national disaster”, Njeri Migwi, human rights defender and Co-Founder and Executive Director of Usikimye said.
As the march moved through the city, speakers highlighted the systemic nature of gender-based violence, calling for stronger laws and better enforcement mechanisms to protect women.
In response to the escalating crisis and mounting public pressure, President Ruto also committed to strengthening law enforcement capabilities and committed 100 million Ksh (about 772,678 U.S. dollars) towards the Safe Home, Safe Space Campaign that seeks to end femicide cases across the country.
”We want to see the budget, we want to know how the money is being used to fight femicide, who is receiving the money and where is the money allocated, Njeri Migwi said.
A UN report released in November said Africa recorded the highest rate of partner-related femicide in 2023.
