Addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a pressing concern within the community of Vihiga, necessitating collaborative endeavors to curtail its impact.
This form of violence is disproportionately inflicted upon women and children, a distressing circumstance that prompted the county government to launch the formulation of SGBV and Children’s policies. These policies are currently awaiting public engagement before their official adoption.
Arthur Lisimba, the County Director for Social Services and Gender (CDSG), affirmed that both policy documents are on track for a November 2023 launch, paving the way for their effective implementation.
Mr. Lisimba shared these insights during the County Gender Sector Working Group (CGSWG) forum and applauded the multi-sectorial partners for their efforts in organizing meetings to advocate for the rights of women and children.
Betty Okero, representing the Civil Society Organizations’ (CSO) network, highlighted the establishment of grassroots-level women’s, peace, and security committees. These initiatives serve to amplify the impact of women’s rights advocacy activities, leading to a broader understanding of gender equality and justice among the populace.
Mercy Ogwel, the Western Regional Manager of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), emphasized their commitment to promoting women’s involvement in politics and peace initiatives. This dedication has yielded tangible results, with an increased number of women participating in elections and successfully securing electoral positions.
Hellen Muchunu, representing UN Women, underscored that the drive to empower women is aligned with the goal of achieving gender parity and fostering equitable socio-economic progress.
