Kilifi County Gender TWG Strengthens Coordination to Tackle Gender Inequality and GBV

The Kilifi County Gender Technical Working Group (TWG) has charted a clear path forward to address rising concerns over gender inequality and gender-based violence (GBV), following its recent meeting. With the Commission (NGEC) taking a lead role in the coordination of these efforts, the meeting underscored the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between state and non-state actors to drive impactful gender equality initiatives.

The Commission which chairs the Equality and Inclusion thematic group, presented a comprehensive report highlighting the challenges faced by special interest groups (SIGs) in accessing essential services like healthcare and education. The Commission emphasized the importance of strengthening advocacy and aligning policy interventions to ensure the voices of these marginalized groups are not only heard but prioritized in decision-making processes.

A key outcome of the meeting was the formation of a strategic plan to support the upcoming 16 Days of Activism campaign against GBV. NGEC will play a central role in coordinating county-wide awareness activities and mobilizing stakeholders. With rising GBV cases, particularly involving elderly victims, the meeting called for stronger reporting mechanisms and better support services for survivors. Participants agreed that addressing these issues requires a unified framework, with all actors working together to implement data-driven, evidence- based solutions.

In addition to addressing GBV, the TWG also focused on the economic empowerment of women, recognizing it as a critical component of gender equality. Discussions centered around increasing access to funding and skill development programs for women entrepreneurs, as economic independence was identified as a key driver of women’s participation in decision-making.

Legal reforms were another major area of focus, with stakeholders calling for gender-sensitive training for law enforcement and judicial personnel to improve the handling of GBV cases and ensure survivors receive justice. Male involvement in gender advocacy was also highlighted, with strategies shared on how to engage men as allies in promoting gender-sensitive initiatives.

This meeting marks a major step toward creating a cohesive and strategic response to gender inequality in Kilifi County, with NGEC firmly positioned at the helm of coordination efforts.

Members of the Kilifi County Gender Technical Working Group (TWG) pose after a meeting focused on strengthening collaboration to address gender inequality and gender-based violence, with NGEC leading coordination efforts