Usikimye: A Rallying Cry Against Gender-Based Violence in Kenya
“Usikimye.” This Swahili phrase, meaning “Do not be silent,” has emerged as a powerful call to action in Kenya. Survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) are reclaiming their voices and demanding an end to the stigma that has long silenced them. This movement seeks to address the pervasive issue of violence against women and girls, which continues to affect millions across sub-Saharan Africa.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, concluding on December 10, underscores the urgent need to confront this crisis. It is estimated that one in three women globally, translating to around 840 million, has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Alarmingly, data from the World Health Organization reveals that 316 million women suffered intimate partner violence in just the last year. This epidemic disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, creating a severe human rights crisis with devastating psychological, physical, and social consequences.
Research indicates that the effects of GBV extend far beyond the immediate victims, impacting their children’s health, safety, and education. Children who grow up in environments riddled with violence are at a higher risk of experiencing abuse themselves, perpetuating a cycle that transcends generations. Despite existing policies, systemic failures, deeply rooted cultural norms, and inconsistent leadership continue to hinder prevention efforts, obstruct justice, and limit support for survivors.
Systemic Challenges and Cultural Norms
Dr. Susan Ontiri, Country Director at the International Centre for Reproductive Health-Kenya (ICRHK), emphasizes that GBV persists in sub-Saharan Africa due to a variety of socio-cultural and structural factors that remain largely unaddressed. She critiques current GBV interventions for primarily addressing surface-level causes while neglecting the deeper, systemic issues. “Gender inequalities are deeply entrenched in punitive cultural norms that promote male dominance and female suppression,” she states.
In Kenya, economic disparities further exacerbate women’s vulnerability to violence. Many women are financially dependent on men, limiting their agency over their earnings. In dire situations, some find themselves coerced into non-consensual sexual encounters just to afford basic needs such as sanitary pads. Dr. Ontiri highlights that the significant loopholes in law enforcement create an environment where systemic support for vulnerable women is scarce.
The Framing of GBV
Often, gender-based violence is framed as a “private matter,” leading to widespread human rights violations across the nation. This framing contributes to the lack of accountability for offenders, allowing the cycle of abuse to persist. Dr. Ontiri points to patriarchal norms that perpetuate this perspective, silencing survivors and deterring them from reporting incidents. Consequently, many offenders go unpunished, allowing GBV to continue unchecked.
Promising Models for Change
However, hope remains. Dr. Ontiri mentions community-driven strategies, such as social and behavior change interventions and community dialogues, that aim to shift harmful norms. These local initiatives can be modeled across various communities through integration into county and national development plans. The goal is to raise awareness and challenge the myths that have long allowed violence against women and girls to go unchallenged.
The Usikimye campaign serves as a prime example of efforts to inspire survivors to openly share their experiences. Focused on ending GBV and femicide through trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches, the campaign empowers individuals to reclaim their narratives and speak out against violence.
Dr. Ontiri notes that ongoing conversations about GBV in mainstream media are critical for accountability and action. “By framing GBV as not just a social issue but also a significant health concern, we can galvanize action and uplift the voices of women and girls,” she asserts.
Resource Shortages and the Need for Advocacy
Despite these advances, survivor-centered care remains critically under-resourced. Many women are deprived of necessary medical, psychological, and legal support due to stigma and systemic gaps. Dr. Ontiri stresses the importance of advocating for increased funding and resources for comprehensive survivor care at national and county levels.
For instance, the integrated GBV recovery center at Coast General Hospital stands as a pioneering model in East Africa, offering invaluable resources for survivors in a safe, structured environment. Scaling such models remains a top priority for advocates like Dr. Ontiri.
Building the capacity of frontline workers is also crucial. Dr. Ontiri highlights the need for training nurses, counselors, and social workers in trauma-informed care, particularly for adolescents, who make up a significant proportion of GBV survivors in Kenya. Establishing safe shelters for survivors is imperative as well, providing stigma-free spaces for healing and support.
Engagement Beyond Government
The role of civil society, private sector institutions, and inclusive leadership is equally vital in addressing GBV. Dr. Ontiri emphasizes the importance of integrating women’s leadership in GBV response initiatives, allowing for sustained improvements in prevention and care. Programs like the WomenLift Health Leadership Journey aim to equip women with the tools they need to make a meaningful impact on health issues, including GBV.
Gender-Inclusive Dialogue as a Solution
Research suggests that fostering gender-inclusive dialogue can significantly alter attitudes and reduce violence in homes and communities. Multiple UN agencies are working collaboratively to confront GBV by implementing policies, generating resources, and adhering to international guidelines aimed at eliminating discrimination against women.
Dr. Ontiri points out the necessity of developing community champions and engaging local stakeholders in crafting solutions that respect cultural contexts. Effective strategies must come from within rather than being imposed from outside.
Awareness campaigns utilizing digital platforms and media can further elevate the conversation around GBV, mobilizing community support and pressuring public institutions to take action.
Empowerment for Lasting Change
Scaling women-led initiatives is crucial for fostering long-term change. Empowering grassroots organizations ensures that solutions are culturally relevant and sustainably implemented. Despite their effectiveness, these organizations remain underfunded, warranting advocacy from global and national stakeholders to allocate fixed percentages of GBV funding to local groups.
As the 16 Days of Activism conclude, the imperative is clear: the root causes of GBV must be prioritized, shifting from reactive responses to preventive measures. There is a pressing need to advocate for increased funding for GBV initiatives and the replication of successful interventions across communities to eradicate violence and support survivors.
Dr. Ontiri warns that without these necessary steps, GBV will continue to harm generations of women and girls, emphasizing the urgency of collective action.
