Bomet County has seen an increase of Gender Based Violence cases (GBV) since March 2020, when Covid-19 was introduced.
During a two day meeting of gender sensibilization at Sierra Hotel, Bomet Central, Lilly Chepkemoi, County Director of Gender, confirmed that many of those who have been affected by GBV were victims of retrogressive culture.
Chepkemoi pointed out that Chebunyo sub-county in Chepalungu had reported more cases of GBV than other administrative units in this region.
“Most cases in the county have been reported in Chepalungu Sub-County, this can be as a result of its interior and remote nature, we have also noticed that cultural values and stereotyped beliefs in FGM contributed to most of the GBV cases,” explained Chepkemoi.
Gender-based violence is a violation to human rights, as stipulated in article 27 (2010 Kenyan Constitution). Anyone found guilty should be held responsible.
The 2008 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), revealed that 27.1 percent of women had undergone FGM at Bomet in 2008.
FGM is a practice that communities in this region have adopted to observe a cultural requirement and rite-of-passage, some of the regressive culture the government has been fighting.
Reports indicate that victims who are subject to the wrathful actions of their perpetrators don’t report them when they occur, fearing being victimized by the community.
Japheth Rugut (director for youths in County) urged residents to follow the proper process of reporting GBV cases to government institutions that are mandated to handle the matter.
“We are urging our people to be vigilant and report GBV incidents via 1195 which is a Toll-free number and also to the nearest police station for the necessary action to be taken against the offenders,” said Rugut.
Red Cross and the national government are collaborating to launch a sensitization campaign that will run through the five counties in the region. This program will focus on capacity building and primary prevention.
Monica Okwanyi (the Project Officer of Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programs), Kenya Red Cross Bomet branch revealed that the purpose of the establishment and training of community protection and watch group will be to educate them on GBV prevention, response, and referrals.
By Philomena Nsiria, Lamech Willy
Source: kenyanews
