Chief officer for Women, Youth and PWD’s, Mr. Haggai Kadiri addressing the media during the official launch of the annul 16 Days of Activism against GBV in Kisumu (Picture by Jacob Owiti)
By Matilda Atieno
Kisumu has marked the beginning of its 7th annual 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence ( GBV) to articulate GBV issues across the county in an event held at the Grace Onyango social center.
The 16 days is an annual international event running from 25th November through to 10th December with this year’s theme “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”
With the world’s new normal, the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have shown a spike in domestic violence in the already existing scourge of violence against women.
Speaking during the official launch of the 16 days activism, the chief guest Mr. Haggai Kadiri chief officer for Women, youth and people living with disabilities called on the participants to take action during this year’s 16 Days of Activism to end violence against the gender.
Mr. Kadiri highlighted the county’s achievement in the fight against gender-based violence including the move to ensure space for women, the formulation of the SGBV
Policy and the county government’s support to ensure a gender-responsive budget.
The chief officer on behalf of CEC member John Obiero acknowledged efforts by the development partners in the organization of today’s event.
A host of activities have been scheduled within the 16 days in all 7 sub-counties to advocate for the promotion and protection of women’s rights and an end to violence against women and girls.
The 16 days activism campaign against GBV was organized by the county government in partnership with development Partners,
Civil Society organizations including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The event was also graced by Kisumu women president Mrs. Caroline Ojenge Ogot, representatives of the county commissioner, the State office of gender, and county officials.
