Mandera, Kenya – In a significant movement, women in Mandera County have united for a campaign aimed at eradicating violence against women and girls. This year’s 16 Days of Activism in Mandera is dedicated to combating gender-based violence, under the theme ‘UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.’
According to Kenya News Agency, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender and Social Services, the county has become a hub for social mobilization during this period. The initiative involves advocacy, dissemination of news, and actions focused on ending violence against women and girls. Bishar is at the forefront of this movement, vowing to tirelessly seek justice for the affected individuals in the county.
Bishar stressed that violence against women and girls not only lacks any justification but also severely hampers the region’s development. She appealed to women to handle domestic matters with respect and understanding, aiming to foster harmony within communities.
Other female leaders in the county share this viewpoint, advocating for strong measures and increased investment in preventive strategies to tackle this widespread issue.
Despite efforts made, the region continues to face challenges with gender-based violence and defilement, impacting over 2000 women and girls in the last three years. This situation underscores the critical need for collective action to eliminate such violence, which stands as an obstacle to achieving equality, development, peace, and the realization of human rights for women and girls.
The campaign, which commenced on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, will run for 16 days, concluding on December 10, 2023, coinciding with International Human Rights Day.