Gender-Based Violence

Nearly half of Kenyan women and girls experience domestic and/or sexual violence, 23 percent are forced into early marriage and 21 percent are subjected to Female Genital Mutilation, all forms of Gender-Based Violence. (UN Women)

We’ve seen these violations worsen by humanitarian crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and crises related to electoral periods, and this will continue without sustained action.

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) refers to any act that is perpetrated against a person’s will and is based on gender norms and unequal power relationships.

It includes any form of a non-consensual sexual act, attempt to forcefully obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic women’s sexuality, using coercion, threats of harm or physical force, by any person regardless of relationship to the survivor, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work. Six core SGBV types include, rape, sexual assault, physical assault, forced marriage, denial of resources/opportunities or services and psychological and emotional abuse.

Kenya has instituted a number of laws to protect women and girls against violence since 2010. Enforcement of the laws continues to be an issue.

Gender-Based Violence

Nearly half of Kenyan women and girls experience domestic and/or sexual violence, 23 percent are forced into early marriage and 21 percent are subjected to Female Genital Mutilation, all forms of Gender-Based Violence. (UN Women)

We’ve seen these violations worsen by humanitarian crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and crises related to electoral periods, and this will continue without sustained action.

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