Early Marriages Still a Major Concern in Kenya

Over 40 percent of women have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner during their lives according to Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS). Additionally, around 1 in 4 girls get married early, and about 1 in 5 undergo female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country.

To mark the start of the global sixteen days of activism against gender activism, a campaign dubbed “Activate Nairobi” was launched at an event at the University of Nairobi with a terse message around the need to fight gender-based violence.

This campaign is a collaborative effort between Kenya’s Department of Gender Affairs, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (Aics), the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC), and the Offices of the Embassy of Italy in Kenya.

The event, inaugurated by Ambassador Roberto Natali and Deputy Minister Anne Wang’ombe of the Department for Gender and Affirmative Action in Kenya, featured a round table discussion. Four inspirational women leaders, including Charlene Ruto, Elizabeth Wathuti, Francesca Di Matteo and Professor Mary Lucia Mbithi, shared their strategies to combat climate change. The round table culminated in the opening of the ‘I Want You to Know’ photographic exhibition by Gaia Squarci, a National Geographic scholar.

“Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are essential to eradicate poverty and build a global society based on sustainable development, social justice, and human rights.” said Anne Wang’ombe, Deputy Minister of the Department for Gender and Affirmative Action.

Statistics by The Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW-Kenya) reveals that over 3,762 cases of Gender-Based Violence were reported in 2022. Out of those cases, 2,985 cases of GBV were by women while 777 cases were by men.

Ambassador Natali emphasized, ” it is imperative to sensitize, to talk, to inform, to educate our children: educate about respect, about equality, educate about the idea that force can never be an instrument of dialogue. And if we can do it together, we will be more effective and we will build more sustainable solutions.”

Speaking at the launch, Charlene Ruto, Youth Champion was keen to note” When young women, especially those living with disability are actively involved in policy formulation and implementation, the resulting strategies are more comprehensive, resilient, and sustainable. Moving forward, let us continue to champion inclusivity, amplify diverse voices, and create opportunities that empower women to lead the change against global warming. Together, we can forge a path toward a more equitable and resilient future for all”.

The event, held at the University of Nairobi and attended by over 500 students, focused on the relationship between climate change and female empowerment through the testimonies and experiences of four women activists.

In addition, a photographic exhibition themed ‘I Want You To Know’, inaugurated at the end of the panel discussion. The exhibition was created by the Mwelu Foundation and Italian photographer Gaia Squarci who in October 2023 was in an artistic residency in Nairobi in October 2023. During her stay, Gaia met, interviewed, and photographed women activists, and held a workshop for disadvantaged young people in Mathare, an informal neighbourhood in Nairobi, in collaboration with the Mwelu Foundation, active in promoting photography and videography as tools for emancipation from poverty.

Giovanni Grandi, Head of Aics Regional Office of Nairobi, highlighted the pivotal role of cooperation initiatives in empowering women across all sectors of society. Grandi stated, “We recognize the challenges faced by women, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands, and through our initiatives, we aim not just to confront these challenges, but to empower women to empower the society.”

Elena Gallenca, Director of the IIC, declared, “Culture is a bridge between nations, and unfortunately, women’s voices are historically underrepresented. The activities of the Activate campaign aim to bring Italian culture to the forefront in the global fight against gender violence.”

The ‘Activate Nairobi’ campaign will run until 10 December, with several impactful events to highlight the magnitude of violence against women in Nairobi lined up. The campaign events will be engaging and will include a theatre performance, two evenings of stand-up comedy by a leading comedy group in Nairobi, film screenings, and two forums dedicated to survivors of gender violence cases in Kenya, authorities, and stakeholders.