The Kenyan government is moving to combat the alarming rise of gender-based violence (GBV), with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announcing the potential creation of a dedicated fund aimed at addressing these issues. During the launch of the 'Safe Homes Safe Spaces' initiative on February 1, 2025, Mudavadi expressed deep concerns over the disturbing trends, primarily intimate partner violence reported across Kenya.
Successfully targeting GBV is increasingly necessary, as recent data indicates one in three women globally experience violence over their lifetimes, according to the UN Women's report. Notably, the report details Africa's concerning statistics, where femicide rates remain high, and it's reported, "Africa recorded the largest 'absolute and relative' numbers of female intimate partner and family-related killings last year," according to Mudavadi.
The proposed GBV fund, which would fall under the Office of the Women's Rights Adviser, aims to support initiatives and campaigns against GBV, alongside providing comprehensive assistance for victims. Mudavadi stated, "We must stop normalizing crime at home and join hands in creating safe homes and safe spaces for all citizens."
This governmental initiative is more than just funding; it symbolizes a necessary paradigm shift within Kenyan society. Mudavadi attributed the continuance of GBV to the breakdown of national values and persistent gender inequalities, concluding it not only affects personal lives but also negatively impacts the national economy, estimating losses to reach up to 4 percent of the GDP.
Encouragingly, initiatives like 'Safe Homes Safe Spaces' spearheaded by Harriette Chiggai, aim to advocate against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through awareness campaigns and legal enhancements. Chiggai emphasized the importance of empowering victims: “I encourage all victims of SGBV to report cases of abuse without fear,” highlighting legal protections now available under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act of 2018.
Shifting focus to the Indian state of Goa, growing outrage over rising sexual violence incidents has prompted community protests. Members of the Goa Pradesh Youth Congress and Mahila Congress rallied to voice their frustrations, demanding urgent government action to protect women. General Secretary of the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), Manisha Usgaonkar, criticized the BJP government's failure to adequately address women’s safety, insisting, "The BJP government has turned a blind eye when crimes like rape occur."
The call for increased safety measures is stark: local leaders propose integrating self-defense education within school curricula, and Panjim Block President Pratibha Borkar posed the question, "Who will change this mentality of rape and violence against women?"
Indeed, the figures resonate widely; reports indicate around 147 incidents of crimes against women within the past year alone. Critics argue governmental attention appears more aligned with land use than safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Mahesh Nadar, President of the Goa Pradesh Youth Congress, contended the government has not taken sufficient measures for women's safety. His assertion reflects broader societal frustrations over inadequate police response times and emergency services, underscoring the urgent need for accountability: "Isn't it the responsibility of the chief minister, who heads the home department, toensure the police respond?"
Backtracking to Kenya, statistics from the 2023 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey noted more than 11 million women experience physical or sexual violence from intimate partners. The reported emphasis on public safety echoes sentiments shared by Chiggai and Mudavadi, who call for community and societal shifts to end GBV.
The dual crises of gender-based violence and governmental action—or the lack thereof—highlight pressing social issues both locally and globally. The protests and proposed initiatives must translate from words to real, actionable change. The severity of GBV requires urgent mobilization, societal commitment, and coherent strategies to not only condemn violence but also enact tangible deterrents and support systems for women victims everywhere.