President William Ruto has announced the launch of a 16-day campaign to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, following a rise in such cases across Kenya.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, November 20, President Ruto unveiled the Safe Homes, Safe Spaces campaign, set to commence on Monday, November 25.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing GBV and pledged sh100 million to support the initiative, which will focus on educating young women about the dangers of engaging with strangers and equipping communities with tools to combat abuse.
The campaign will be spearheaded by women leaders from across the country, who will lead awareness drives on women’s rights and freedoms.
“I urge every Kenyan to join this movement to speak out, educate, and stand united against feminicide. Awareness is a crucial step to prevention,” Ruto said.
He also highlighted the importance of toll-free helplines, such as GBV 1195, Child Help 116, and the DCI anonymous reporting number 0800722203, to provide refuge and support for victims.
Ruto directed all security agencies to expedite investigations into feminicide cases and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
He further ordered the enhancement of gender desks at all police stations and the introduction of similar desks in hospitals to improve support for GBV victims.
The president called on religious leaders to advocate for women’s rights and urged parents to create safe, supportive homes.
“A strong family is the first line of defence against societal dangers,” he noted, adding that a collaborative effort among the government, religious institutions, parents, and civil society is essential.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Ruto said, “We are united in our resolve to end all forms of violence and ensure swift justice for victims.”
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