The National Gender and Equality Commission has come out to strongly condemn the excessive use of force by police during the peaceful #EndFemicideKE demonstrations in Nairobi yesterday.
It said it is unacceptable for those exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly to be met with tear gas, violence, and arrests.
“These actions undermine the very principles of human rights we sought to uphold on International Human Rights Day,” said the Commission Chairperson Dida Jaldesa in a statement to newrooms.
The Commission also expressed grave concern over the alarming rise in femicide cases, where women and girls are killed on account of their gender.
Often, these heinous acts are perpetrated by intimate partners, family members, or close acquaintances, exposing deep-rooted societal issues that normalize violence against women.
Hon Jaldesa
At the same men have been persuaded to lead in the fight against gender-based violence in Kenya, by championing attitude and behavioural change and also take a stand, denounce violence, and model positive change within their communities.
This was the conclusion at the end of 16 days against gender Based Violence in Kenya by the (NGEC).
The Commission also reiterated its call for the implementation of robust legal frameworks to deter, prosecute, and punish perpetrators of GBV and femicide, ensuring justice for victims and survivors.
Additionally, it called for innovative strategies, including leveraging technology, to combat emerging drivers of violence such as Technology-Facilitated GBV.
“We commend the President for his commitment to ending GBV by allocating financial resources toward the fight against GBV. This commitment has catalyzed critical interventions during this year’s campaign, said the statement signed by Hon Jaldesa.
However, the Commission insisted it remains resolute in holding duty bearers accountable to their mandates and ensuring that the pace of progress in eliminating GBV matches the urgency of the issue.
