Femicide in Kenya remains a critical issue, prompting action from the National Gender-Based Violence Working Group. The group has finalized a Memorandum on Gender-Based Violence, including femicide, for submission to the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence, recently gazetted by President William Ruto. Additionally, it has outlined the next steps for advocating and ratifying the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG). This Memorandum will play a key role in shaping Kenya’s policy and legal frameworks to prevent, respond to, and curb gender-based violence, including femicide.
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“The recommendations by the National Gender-based Violence Working Group include stronger coordination of gender-based violence prevention and response; legal reforms and policy implementation; survivor-centred responses to ensure justice and protection for all; and increased resource allocation” said Ms. Alberta Wambua, Co-Chairperson, National Gender-based Violence Working Group.
The Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence, including Femicide, serves as a critical platform for fostering collaboration among government, development partners, and civil society organizations to accelerate gender equality and women’s empowerment in Kenya. It plays a key role in developing policies, strengthening legal frameworks, and ensuring coordinated efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the group enhances advocacy, resource mobilization, and implementation of sustainable solutions aimed at protecting women and girls from violence while promoting a safer and more inclusive society.
“The rising cases of gender-based violence in the country, with increased cases of the killings of women and girls require strong whole-of-society approaches to safeguard their safety, justice, and protection. The recommendations to the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence including Femicide will create a momentum for assessing, reviewing, and recommending measures to strengthen the institutional, legal, and policy response to GBV and femicide in the country,” said Ms. Mary Wanjiru, Team Lead, Ending Violence against Women and Girls – UN Women Kenya.
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