Haki Yetu staff engaging Maasai women during a community baraza on SGBV at Nyango, Mackinon Ward

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AND OUR DAILY FIGHT TO END SEXUAL AND GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is an annual campaign that begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs through International Human Rights Day on 10 December.

Haki Yetu Organization has actively participated in every year of the 16 days of Activism ever since its formation. This year was no different, we were on the frontline and joined civil societies and other actors in campaigns against Gender-Based Violence  under the theme UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls.”

Legal aid clinic for survivors of SGBV at Bamba Police Station during 16 Days of Activism 2022
Legal aid clinic for survivors of SGBV at Bamba Police Station during 16 Days of Activism 2022

The meaning and extend of SGBV

Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) especially against women and children remains the most pervasive human rights violation globally. This violence undermines a person’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem. It affects not only physical health but also mental health and may lead to self-harm, isolation, depression and suicide.

The Coastal Counties of Kenya are one of the most affected regions when it comes to SGBV. According to statistics gathered by Mombasa County Gender Based Violence Mental Health Programme, SGBV cases have increased from 1,865 recorded last year to 4,477 cases reported as of June 2022. This goes to show that SGBV is a major thorn in all the Coastal Counties and that there is a lot of work to be done.

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Witness protection booths accelerating access to justice in Kilifi.

Aisha Lewa (not her real name) 14 years old a girl from Goshi constituency, Kilifi county was defiled by an uncle living in her family’s home. The ordeal began when she was 12 years old just at the time when the uncle was taken in by her parents for college enrollment. Aisha did not know whom to confide to as the young man was loved and trusted and was part of the family. She lived with the pain for two years until she could not take it anymore and reported the case to her class teacher whom reported the same to the village chief and together filed the report to the Malindi police station.

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