Kisumu’s Mama County Mrs. Dorothy Nyong’o today presided over the launch of the implementation of a campaing dubbed “Generation Equality” to end Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Kisumu.’
The programme launched aims to encourage intergenerational dialogue where younger women benefit from mentorship from their older or veteran sisters as they seek to end GBV.
“Women and girls have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic; socially and even economically,” lamented Mama County. “Sadly cases of GBV have been on the rise and we must do everything in our power to protect our girls. I believe in the mantra ‘not-for-us-without-us.’ While we encourage dialogue, let us also involve girls and young women in our discussions on interventions against GBV,” remarked Mama County in her opening remarks.
This intergenerational campaign will be run by the County Government of Kisumu, in partnership with AKILI DADA, SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Kenya Forum and KEFEADO (Kenya Female Advisory Organisation) and will be rolled out in three counties with Kisumu being the pacesetter.
“Kisumu is way ahead of the pack – we are the first county to roll out the PWD policy in the country, something we were recently feted for. We also have our SGBV policy in place. In terms of policy we have made strides and with this launch, we are convinced that engaging young people will provide a new impetus, diverse perspectives and a sustainable war against GBV,” expressed Mrs. Nyong’o.
She further urged women to take up their spaces as champions of gender equality.
“These are tough times indeed but I believe we will overcome.” She concluded as she encouraged women to take up the (COVID-19) vaccine and the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer available for girls aged 10 years old and above.
Flanked by the Chief Officer Women Youth and social services. Mr. Haggai Kadiri, affirmed the counties commitment to ending GBV in Kisumu. Mr. Kadiri encouraged the young women to take up the leadership role in championing the gender equity.
The forum brought together stakeholders namely the county leadership on gender matters, members of the county assembly, the civil society and community representatives.
