By Emmanuel Wanyonyi
As the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence unfolds, we find ourselves confronted with stark realities that demand our attention. UN Women leads this global campaign annually from November 25 to December 10, urging us to reflect on the pervasive issue of violence against women.
However, the recent Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) survey sheds light on an alarming situation in Bungoma County.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022, Bungoma County takes an unfortunate lead in the number of women experiencing physical and sexual violence. A staggering 62% of women who faced physical violence were located in Bungoma. These distressing figures reveal a deep-seated problem that requires immediate action.
The period from January 2016 to July 2023 paints a grim picture, with Bungoma recording 9,080 cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against girls aged 10-17.
This is a significant portion of the 18,510 cases reported nationwide during the same timeframe. The urgency to address this issue becomes even more evident when considering the increasing surge in HIV infections among teenage girls in the county.
Disturbingly, a total of 1,679 girls aged 10-24 in Bungoma have been affected by HIV between January 2016 and July 2023. This statistic is not only a cause for concern. However, it demands a coordinated effort to address the underlying factors contributing to both gender-based violence and the rise in HIV infections.
In the face of these disheartening numbers, the community must recognise its role in bringing change. It is not enough to acknowledge the problem; we must actively work towards eradicating gender-based violence. Communities need to foster an environment where survivors feel safe to come forward and seek support and where perpetrators are held accountable.
The data from Bungoma County is a wake-up call for policymakers, community leaders, and individuals alike. It underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions, education, and resources to address the root causes of gender-based violence.
As we observe the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, let us commit to protecting the women of Bungoma and creating a society where they can thrive without fear. The time to act is now; our collective responsibility is to bring about lasting change.
Morgan Wanyonyi is a Youth Advocate, NAYA Kenya.
