By Matilda Atieno
Kisumu County today launched the 16 days of gender Activism at Kolunga primary school in Nyando Sub-county under the theme “Unite: Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls”
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women set to run until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
The County Department of Sports, Tourism Culture Gender and Youth Affairs is leading the 16 days of Activism locally working with its partners. The CEC Member, Madam Beatrice Odongo together with her counterpart Madam Roseline Agwa of the Department of Water Environment and Climate Change graced the celebrations urging residents to Unite under this year’s theme prevent violence in Kisumu.
In support of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the CEC Member Madam Odongo said.
“This year we mark the 28th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – a visionary global agenda for achieving gender equality. Yet, while progress has been made, we have not come far enough. Women still have limited access to social protection and experience pervasive violence. During this ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, The County Government calls for a renewed social contract that prioritizes the prevention of violence against women and girls.”
Acknowledging the efforts by the private sector involvement Madam Odongo received the communique read and delivered by the representatives of women and girls, calling for actions taken to end violence against women and girls.
The CEC member emphasized that the 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity to raise awareness about the health and social consequences of violence against women and strengthen the county government’s commitment to collective action, calling on Kisumu residents to be part of a global network that is committed to realizing a future free from violence against women and girls.
The 16 days’ gender activism highlights that violence against women and girls can be prevented and everyone has a role to play.
The event was also graced by Kisumu County Women’s representative, Hon Ruth Odinga amidst county officials and gender stakeholders from state and non-state actors.
The activities involved games such as football, handball, drama, songs and dances to sensitize the community on gender rights as well as distribution of sanitary towels to empower young girls in the community.
