SDG Goal 5: Breaking The Chains Of Gender-Based Violence For A Gender-Equal World
By: Daisy Moraa
Gender equality, encapsulated in Goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), seeks to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls worldwide. A crucial part of achieving gender equality is addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV), which affects millions globally, regardless of age, social status, or geographical location. GBV includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic violence and can occur in public or private life.
While strides have been made toward achieving gender equality, particularly in areas like education and political representation, gender-based violence remains a persistent challenge. In 2024, both global and Kenyan statistics reveal alarming trends that call for heightened awareness and stronger policy interventions.
Globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, often at the hands of an intimate partner. According to a 2023 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), over 730 million women and girls were victims of violence, and many cases went unreported due to fear, shame, or the lack of adequate support systems.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a notable increase in cases of GBV worldwide. This surge was attributed to lockdown measures, which confined many victims to spaces with their abusers while simultaneously limiting access to support services. The United Nations Women’s 2023 report highlighted that domestic violence reports rose by up to 30% in some countries during the height of the pandemic. As the world recovers, the long-term impacts of this increase remain to be fully addressed.
In Kenya, GBV remains a significant barrier to gender equality, affecting women, girls, men, and boys. According to a report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in 2023, 45% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 had experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. The data revealed that the prevalence of GBV varied by region, with rural areas and informal settlements like Kibera and Mathare reporting higher rates.
In 2022, the Ministry of Public Service and Gender Affairs reported over 5,000 cases of GBV in Kenya. While this figure reflects an increased willingness to report cases, experts believe the actual number is much higher due to underreporting and lack of access to justice, particularly for women in marginalized communities. The situation is especially dire in counties like Nairobi, Kisumu, and Kakamega, where cultural norms and poverty exacerbate the vulnerability of women and girls to violence.
In response, the Kenyan government has made efforts to combat GBV, including launching the National Policy on the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence 2022, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence by 2030. Key initiatives include improving legal frameworks, establishing gender desks in police stations, and setting up GBV recovery centers across the country.
GBV manifests in various forms, and understanding these is critical to tackling the problem effectively. Physical violence, such as assault, is one of the most visible forms, but sexual violence, including rape and sexual harassment, is equally damaging. Emotional and psychological abuse, which can range from threats and verbal insults to isolation and manipulation, often goes unnoticed but has long-lasting effects on victims’ mental health.
In Kenya, early and forced marriages continue to subject girls to violence, particularly in rural areas where traditional practices still hold sway. According to a 2022 UNICEF report, 23% of Kenyan girls are married before their 18th birthday, exposing them to heightened risks of domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and reproductive health complications.
Economic violence is another less recognized form of GBV that involves withholding financial resources or controlling a partner’s access to income, which renders many women financially dependent on their abusers. This issue is particularly prevalent in Kenya’s informal settlements, where unemployment and economic disparity leave women vulnerable to exploitation.
Raising awareness about GBV is a crucial step toward achieving gender equality. In Kenya, several campaigns have been launched to shine a spotlight on the issue and empower survivors. The ‘Keeping the Promise’ campaign by UN Women Kenya and the Ministry of Gender seeks to hold stakeholders accountable in their commitment to ending GBV by 2026. It has helped foster partnerships between the government, civil society organizations, and international agencies to create safe spaces and advocate for policy changes.
Another key campaign is the “HeForShe” initiative, a global solidarity movement led by UN Women that encourages men and boys to stand against GBV. In Kenya, HeForShe has gained significant traction, particularly among university students and young professionals. Engaging men in the fight against GBV is essential, as they are often the primary perpetrators of violence, and their involvement in prevention efforts can help shift societal norms.
Media also plays a critical role in raising awareness about GBV. Through storytelling, news reporting, and advocacy programs, Kenyan media houses have been instrumental in amplifying the voices of survivors and highlighting the gaps in the justice system. This increased visibility has led to a broader public discourse on GBV, contributing to policy reforms and societal attitude changes.
While awareness campaigns have helped reduce the stigma surrounding GBV, more needs to be done to support survivors. Access to medical care, psychosocial support, and legal aid remains a challenge for many victims. In Kenya, survivors often face bureaucratic hurdles when seeking justice. For instance, a lack of trained personnel at police stations and healthcare facilities can result in delayed or inadequate responses to GBV cases.
To address these gaps, various organizations are working to provide comprehensive services to GBV survivors. The Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) in Nairobi is one such facility that offers free medical treatment, counseling, and legal support. However, there is a need for more such centers, especially in rural areas.
The Kenyan government, in collaboration with international donors and NGOs, has also piloted mobile clinics to provide GBV services to remote and underserved communities. These clinics offer a lifeline to women who would otherwise have no access to support.
Achieving gender equality requires addressing the deep-seated issue of gender-based violence. While progress has been made globally and in Kenya, GBV remains a barrier to the realization of women’s rights. Raising awareness, improving access to services, and engaging men and boys are critical steps toward creating a safer and more equal society.
Kenya’s efforts to end GBV by 2026 are promising, but sustained investment in education, policy enforcement, and grassroots campaigns is essential. Gender equality can only be achieved when all forms of violence against women and girls are eliminated, and society as a whole works together to protect the dignity and rights of every individual.
Daisy Moraa
Rongo University
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About the Author
Great article, let’s stop GBV.