The recent National Audit Office (NAO) report has surfaced concerning revelations about the United Kingdom's approach to combating violence against women and girls (VAWG). The report indicates significant underspending and operational failures by the Home Office, undermining efforts to provide effective support to victims. This issue is not confined to the UK, as evidenced by rising incidents of femicide and violence against women globally, particularly highlighted by the situation in Kenya.
The NAO raised alarms about the Home Office’s historical pattern of underfunding its VAWG strategy by approximately 15% on average. The body reported, “Government efforts to tackle violence against women and girls have not yet improved outcomes for the victims of these crimes.” These findings point to the Home Office's ineffectiveness and lack of coordinated government response, particularly following the transition to the Labour Government. Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson emphasized the government’s commitment to adopting “a whole-system approach” to tackle VAWG, insisting, “This is a kind of whole approach across society. It cannot just be for the police.”
Despite these promises, the effectiveness of such strategies remains questionable. The history of governmental initiatives raises concerns about bureaucracy and commitment. The NAO report pointed out the lack of engagement from other government departments related to the VAWG strategy, with important oversight groups only meeting sparingly. With home secretary Jess Phillips pledging to release a full strategy this spring, the pressure mounts for actual improvements to victim support and accountability measures.
Meanwhile, the rising concerns surrounding violence against women are also echoed across the distant shores of Kenya. According to police statistics, there were at least 97 femicides reported between August and October of the previous year, highlighting alarming tendencies where economic hardships escalate the threat of violence against women. Activists argue the economic stress faced by many men often translates to increased violence, particularly against female partners. Betty Kabari, activist with End Femicide Kenya, noted serious disparities within police response, stating: “We have a lot of cases of domestic violence where it's not... but the police have no interest...”
Stories circulating among Kenyan communities depict horrific cases of femicides, such as the tragic end met by Rebecca Cheptegei, an Olympic runner whose estranged boyfriend brutally murdered her. Such incidents stir anger and fear, triggering many women to participate actively in self-defense initiatives. Inside the Korogocho area of Nairobi, self-defense classes have become increasingly popular as women seek to arm themselves against potential aggressors. This movement is aptly captured by the local training program, known as Cucu Jukinge, or “Granny protect yourself.” Participants like Mary Wainaina, 93, actively engage in classes to learn techniques for resisting attacks.
Mary candidly shared her experience, recalling how she successfully fought off an attacker by using self-defense skills developed through the program. Such resilience is commendable yet highlights how dire the need for outside intervention is perceived to be. The rising tide of brutality against women demanding practical skills and rights underlines both urgency and frustration felt among women who often remain unprotected by their governments.
The conversations around gender-based violence shift to discussions about justice and legal frameworks, leading to another dimension of the crisis: insufficient legal protections. For example, spousal rape is not recognized as a crime under Kenyan law, enabling societal norms and patriarchal systems to flourish unchallenged. This dichotomy between societal expectations and legal protections synthesizes the overarching challenges women continue to face.
Political activism is also gaining significant traction. Marches against femicide have filled the streets of Nairobi, but not without obstacles; demonstrations have faced law enforcement resistance, with reports indicating tear gas used against protestors. This speaks to systemic issues hampering women’s movements and highlight pressing dissatisfaction among the citizenry. Comprehensive strategies are proposed to tackle the growing calamity, yet significant barriers to implementation remain.
Women across the UK and Kenya face similar battles against cycles of violence, neglect, and systemic failure. From the disparities noted within police responses to the unfulfilled promises of political leaders, the path to safety and justice is fraught. Mobilizing women and communities around self-protection and rallying for improved resources reveal burgeoning global alliances, but with warnings highlighting: “A well-informed and effectively implemented cross-Government response is needed, addressing both the causes and the consequences of these crimes.” Whether these alliances can spur real change remains to be seen.