Breaking the Silence: Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in Kenya

Sep 18

Rebecca Cheptegei was a remarkable 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner who had recently competed in the Paris Olympics. A symbol of strength and resilience, Rebecca was also a devoted mother. Her life was tragically cut short when her former boyfriend murdered her, setting her on fire in her home in Western Kenya after returning from church with her daughters.

This horrifying act is part of a disturbing trend in Kenya. Nearly 34% of women aged 15-49 have experienced gender based violence (GBV), and femicide—the killing of women because they are women—is increasingly prevalent. Disturbingly, about 80% of these homicides occur within the very homes that are supposed to be safe havens.

Rebecca’s tragic death highlights the grim reality faced by women across Kenya and East Africa. This persistent violence and femicide are deeply rooted in patriarchy, deeply entrenched social norms, and a culture where perpetrators are often shielded from punishment. These factors not only devastate individual lives but also sustain a system that devalues women, perpetuating cycles of abuse.

Patriarchy and the Culture of Violence

At the heart of this issue lies patriarchy—a social system that privileges men and subordinates women. This system is evident in the unequal distribution of power and the normalization of violence against women. In some communities,gender roles enforce strict adherence to these norms, where men and boys are encouraged to assert dominance.

Patriarchy also impacts women's ability to access justice in fair and equitable ways. Perpetrators of gender-based violence and femicide at times face few consequences for their actions. This lack of justice emboldens abusers and leaves survivors with little hope for relief.

The Role of Education: ZanaAfrica’s Solution

To break the cycles of GBV and femicide, we must challenge the harmful gender norms that sustain violence. Education is a crucial tool in this fight. At ZanaAfrica, we are committed to transforming lives through education, the promotion of equitable gender norms, and systemic change.

Our rights-based health and life skills education programs engage adolescents at the onset of puberty, providing them with essential knowledge about their bodies, their rights, consent, and healthy relationships. By preparing both girls and boys, we aim to lay the foundation for a generation that rejects violence and embraces equality. Our training for teachers and mentors ensures that these crucial lessons reach students in public schools and community groups, fostering a more equitable and peaceful future.

The Need for Systemic Change

Ending GBV and femicide requires systemic change. At ZanaAfrica, we advocate for stronger systems and policies to protect women and girls. We work with partners and stakeholders to create and strengthen systems, policies, and programs that will protect the safety of girls and women.

However, policy changes alone are not sufficient. Real change occurs when communities unite to address their challenges. ZanaAfrica collaborates with community groups to take ownership of the fight against GBV and femicide, providing educational resources and training to support the next generation. By engaging men and boys as allies and incorporating them into our programs we’re building supportive communities while creating an inclusive movement against violence.

We also leverage technology to offer vital support and nationwide reach. ZanaAfrica’s Nia HealthLink uses cutting-edge technology to provide real-time assistance through a free chatbot and telephone service. This platform enables victims of GBV to report their experiences, receive immediate counseling and local referrals to services, and access critical guidance when they need it most.

A Call to Action

Rebecca Cheptegei’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need to address gender-based violence and femicide. Her death must serve as a catalyst for change. We cannot remain silent in the face of such pervasive violence. We must challenge patriarchal norms through rights based health and life skills education, demand accountability from our leaders, and work together to build a society where every woman can live free from fear.

At ZanaAfrica, we are dedicated to this fight, but we cannot succeed alone. We need your support to break the cycles of gender-based violence and femicide in Kenya. By supporting ZanaAfrica, you invest in a future where every girl and woman can live free from violence and empowered to reach her full potential.

Together, let’s create a safer, more just world for all.

— Alison Nakamura Netter, Executive Director, ZanaAfrica

jill moorhead