President William Ruto has unveiled an intensive national initiative to combat femicide and gender-based violence, announcing a landmark 16-day awareness and action campaign aimed at protecting women and girls across Kenya.
Addressing the press at State House in Nairobi on Wednesday, November 20, Ruto introduced the: “Safe Homes, Safe Spaces” campaign, set to commence on Monday, November 25. The government will invest Ksh 100 million to support the program, focusing on educating young women about personal safety and recognizing potential risks.
A strategic team of women leaders from diverse regions will spearhead the campaign, focusing on empowering women by educating them about their rights, freedoms, and available support mechanisms. The initiative aims to create a comprehensive approach to preventing gender-based violence through awareness, education, and community engagement.
Today a section of Women MPs met with HE the President to address the urgent matter of Femicide and Gender Based Violence. It was agreed that the gender desks which are currently domiciled in police stations will be moved to hospitals and dispensaries. pic.twitter.com/HkHZ7Tuc1S
— Gladys Boss Shollei MGH MP Deputy Speaker. (@GladysShollei) November 20, 2024
“I urge every Kenyan to join in this movement to speak out, educate, and stand united against cases of femicide. Our communities need education on signs and causes of abuse and the resources available to victims,” President Ruto told Kenyans.
As part of the comprehensive strategy, President Ruto has directed security agencies to thoroughly investigate all reported femicide cases and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. The government will also enhance gender desks in police stations and introduce similar support units in hospitals to provide comprehensive care for victims.
Ruto’s call for action extends beyond governmental institutions, urging religious leaders to utilize their platforms to promote positive narratives about women’s leadership and emphasize that women’s rights are fundamental human rights. This initiative by the president comes after scheduled marches on 25th November and 10th December to coerce the government into declaring femicide as a state of emergency in Kenya.
Dear @NCAJ_KE
— SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTERS GBV Committee. (@GBVcommittee) November 20, 2024
On Monday, Nov 25, we will be marching to the Office of the President and @NAssemblyKE to compel @WilliamsRuto to declare femicide a national emergency. Among our other demands is that femicide be made a DISTINCT crime in Kenya.
Kindly take the lead toward this end. pic.twitter.com/JmlzO7Dsvw
The president also emphasized the critical role of families, calling on parents to create safe, supportive home environments that serve as the primary defense against societal dangers. He stressed that combating gender-based violence requires a collective effort involving government, religious institutions, parents, educators, civil society, and citizens. Ruto noted that:
“This challenge requires the combined efforts of the government, religious leaders, parents, teachers, civil society, and all citizens of goodwill.”
GBV and Femicide Support Resources
Highlighting key support resources, the campaign will raise awareness about toll-free platforms such as the Gender-Based Violence hotline (1195), Child Help line (116), and the DCI anonymous reporting number (0800722203). The president also emphasized that:
“Let me reiterate that the government, in its women’s agenda, is explicitly committed to ending all forms of violence. As leaders, we are united in the resolve to ensure that justice is swift and efficient.”
