By Doris Kathia
In Kenya, women and adolescent girls are faced with extreme human rights violations such as early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). These violations rob them of their dignity, and rights and hinder their potential to contribute meaningfully to society. The ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is an annual international campaign that runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).
In many communities, such as the Maasai, Samburu, and Kuria, early marriage remains rampant because of their culture. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), a staggering 1 in 4 girls, equivalent to 23% of Kenyan girls, are married before their 18th birthday. Poverty drives this practice, in many cases, as parents marry off their daughters in exchange for dowry. Tragically, early marriage often forces girls to abandon their education and subjects them to health risks like complications during childbirth. Early and child marriages compromise a child’s development and threaten the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. For instance, over the years, girls have been married off to men three times their age, such as the case of Mary (not her real name), a 12-year-old from Kuria. Her dreams were crushed, and she soon found herself trapped in a cycle of abuse. Stories like Mary’s are all too common in many parts of Kenya.
Notably, FGM, though illegal in Kenya under the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2022, continues in secret hindering girls and womens dreams. Cultural beliefs perpetuate the practice in regions like Garissa, Kisii, and West Pokot, where it is often seen as a rite of passage. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022, approximately 15% of women aged 15–49 have undergone FGM, with higher prevalence in certain ethnic groups. FGM has lifelong consequences, including psychological trauma, physical pain, complications during childbirth, and increased vulnerability to infections.
Kenya has made significant strides in establishing policies to combat GBV, but enforcement remains a challenge. The Constitution of Kenya (2010) provides a strong foundation for protecting women’s rights. Article 53 guarantees every child the right to be protected from harmful practices, while Article 28 emphasizes the right to dignity and freedom from inhuman treatment. Additionally, the Sexual Offences Act (2006) is another legislation, criminalizing various forms of sexual violence, including defilement and rape. However, gaps in implementation often leave survivors without justice. Similarly, the Children’s Act (2022) emphasizes the need to safeguard children from harmful practices like FGM and early marriages. At the international level, Kenya is a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which mandates states to eliminate discriminatory practices against women. Yet, more must be done to translate these commitments into action at the grassroots level.
Organizations like IPAS Africa Alliance, Raise Your Voice among others, work with communities to empower women and girls to amplify their voice in the fight against all forms of GBV at the community level and bridge the gap between policy and practice. For example, through community dialogues and training, these organisations have helped dismantle harmful cultural norms and equipped survivors with the tools to rebuild their lives. Such initiatives highlight the importance of involving local leaders and influencers in the fight against GBV. When elders, religious leaders, and women’s groups collaborate, the impact is profound. For instance, in Kajiado County, community-driven efforts have led to the rescue of dozens of girls from early marriages and their enrollment in schools.
While campaigns like the 16 Days of Activism are crucial, the fight against GBV requires a year-round commitment. Policymakers must prioritize the full implementation of laws protecting women and girls. Additionally, civil society organizations and the private sector must invest in programs that promote education, economic empowerment, and access to reproductive health services. Ending gender-based violence is everyone’s issue—it is a societal one. Ending practices like early marriages and FGM will require collective action including enforcing existing laws and challenging harmful traditions.
