KENYA-FINLAND BILATERAL PROGRAM REDUCES GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE INCIDENCES

The rise of technology-assisted Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is one of the most unfortunate vices currently facing the country. Internet users have been treated to bizarre scenes of live-recorded incidents of violence against women with the secret lives of other innocent people projected onto the public limelight against their consent.

The consequences have been dire; depression, broken families, suicide and death. The State Department for Gender Affairs and Affirmative Action which coordinates response to the vice has undertaken a number of interventions to stem the rising tide.

The Kenya-Finland bilateral programme on Strengthening the Prevention and Response to Gender-based Violence which ran between 2022 and 2024 has beefed up the quality of the services for GBV victims. Implemented jointly by the two countries, the program, has improved the social status of women and promoted youth employment in Bungoma, Samburu and Kilifi counties.

The highlights of the results report shows that the 32 million euros project enabled an increasing number of women to access essential support services. The program also saw the training of 5,000 police officers, health care workers, public officials, teachers and community leaders on the topic.

Furthermore, the proportion of women in parliament and other levels of administration also increased slightly in the 2022 elections though it remains below the constitutional threshold.Anti FGM Board CEO Bernadette Loloju said that the programme has been a game changer. “We have been able to bring on board more champions to champion this noble cause,” said Ms Loloju adding that at the end of the program heralds a new beginning for women and girls.

Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe said that the government will safeguard the gains made under the program by setting aside funds to assure its sustainability. “We will work with other development partners to ensure that we continue with this good work" said PS Wang’ombe.

The National policy for prevention and response to gender-based violence put in place a framework to accelerate implementation of laws, policies and programs for prevention and response to GBV by state and non – state actors for the realization of a society where men, women, boys and girls are free from all forms violence.