A Call for Inclusive Action in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

Nairobi, Kenya – During the official submission of stakeholder recommendations to the Technical Working Group (TWG) on the development of a comprehensive National Policy on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) delivered a passionate and compelling address, calling for inclusive action in tackling GBV in Kenya.

In her remarks, the Chairperson firmly underscored that efforts to eliminate GBV cannot succeed without the active involvement of men. "Men must not be sidelined. They must be empowered and engaged as active participants in the journey to end GBV," she stated, highlighting the crucial role that men and boys play in the prevention and transformation of attitudes towards gender-based violence.

The submission was part of a broader consultative process aimed at gathering input from various stakeholders to inform the creation of a national policy that is both holistic and inclusive.

The NGEC’s contribution to the TWG's deliberations emphasized practical strategies, communitydriven solutions, and the need to address the root causes of GBV. Central to the submission was a call for an inclusive approach to policy making, which positions men and boys at the forefront of efforts to prevent GBV.

The consultative process, which began several months ago, has engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society organisations, government agencies, and grassroots community groups. The goal is to ensure that the resulting policy framework is informed by the diverse perspectives of those directly affected by GBV, while also ensuring that the strategies employed are sustainable and effective.

The Chairperson's remarks resonated with the broader theme of gender equality that has been championed by the NGEC. She noted that despite significant progress in raising awareness about the rights of women and girls, the involvement of men in the fight against GBV has often been sidelined.

"Men and boys must be seen not as the problem, but as part of the solution," she explained. "Their engagement in challenging harmful cultural norms and behaviours is essential if we are to break the cycle of violence." This perspective aligns with growing global recognition that true gender equality can only be achieved when men and women work together to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequality.

The NGEC’s submission to the TWG outlined a multi-pronged approach to tackling GBV, with an emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and the rehabilitation of perpetrators.

Dr. Nancy Baraza and NGEC Chairperson Hon. Rehema Jaldesa engage during the official submission of stakeholder recommendations to the Technical Working Group (TWG).