By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The fight against femicide and gender-based violence has received a major boost after female lawmakers launched a national campaign to address the menace.
The initiative, named Komesha Dhuluma, was officially unveiled on Thursday 16th January 2025 by the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) Kenya at Parliament Buildings.
According to KEWOPA Chairperson Hon. Leah Sankaire (Kajiado MP) 102 female legislators from both the National Assembly and Senate wiead the campaign in their respective constituencies.
Hon. Sankaire revealed that the govwernment had committed Ksh100 million to support the initiative.
“All KEWOPA members will spearhead the campaign by engaging directly with their communities at the constituency level,” she said.
She emphasized that each female MP would localize the initiative through community sensitization and engagement forums tailored to address the specific needs of their constituencies.
The forums aim to deliver critical messages on femicide and gender-based violence.
According to the KEWOPA Chairperson, the campaign targets direct engagement with 100,000 women, men, youth, and persons living with disabilities at the grassroots level. Additionally, it aims to engage more than 10 million Kenyans through specialized media campaigns.
“This initiative goes beyond raising awareness on femicide,” said Hon. Sankaire.
“We are working with stakeholders, including women’s rights organizations, the judiciary, and law enforcement, to ensure survivors receive justice and support,” she added.
Hon. Mishi Mboko (Likoni) urged all Kenyans to support the initiative, emphasizing that gender-based violence affects everyone.
“Ending femicide and gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue. It is a national priority,” she said.
She further said that Men are also victims of this menace. Hon. Mishi urged all Kenyans to unite and build a safer and just society where everyone can live free from fear and violence.