16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence marked

The 16 days of Activism Against Gender – Based Violence is an annual international campaign that runs from every 25th November up to 10th December marked as the Human Rights Day. The theme of this year’s campaign being “Orange the World: Generation Equality Stands against Rape”

In Wajir, rape and defilement cases have reached at an alarming rate and one in every ten women experiences sexual violence in their lifetime. This comes at a significant cost not just to the women concerned but to their families, communities and to the county as a whole.

“We have won the fight against girl child education but not won the fight against early marriages and teenage pregnancies. I call upon all stakeholders particularly the religious leaders and the office of the County Commissioner to join eradicate early marriage and teenage pregnancies” Sugow said

Despite the glaring statistics Wajir County made strides in the fight against GBV, Wajir County kick off its campaign by opening it’s first recovery centre for gender based violence survivors. The centre is fully equipped and has operational gender desk with free hotline number.

“I urge members of the public to make use of this facility and report any incident of gender based violence.” Mr. Sugow added.

Gender-based violence, whether physical, sexual, emotional is recognized globally as one of the most widespread and persistent violations of the rights of women and girls. It is a universal problem which requires multi-agency approach.

“More than twenty years after the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence. This is unacceptable and reminds us of the need to redouble our efforts. ” Said the CEC Education Mr. Hussein Sugow.

Recently, The County Assembly of Wajir passed sexual and gender violence bill 2019 and Wajir County prides as the first county to pass such bill.

Mr Sugow thanked the organizations and Departments of both levels of Governments for taking part and participating in the event saying that the centre will be of great help to those who are victims of Gender Based Violence.

16 Days Activism was started by activists in 1991 at the Inaugural Women’s leadership Institute.