President William Ruto has announced a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence, including cases of femicide witnessed in the country recently.
Addressing the press at State House in Nairobi on Wednesday, November 20, President Ruto noted that the campaign dubbed the Safe Homes, Safe Spaces campaign would begin on Monday, November 25.
While pledging the government's full support towards the campaign, Ruto announced the allocation of Ksh100 million to support the programme which is geared towards educating young women on the dangers of engaging with strangers.
According to Ruto, the programme would be presided over by a team of women leaders from across the country to educate other women on their rights and freedoms.
"I urge every Kenyan to join in this movement to speak out, educate, and stand united against cases of femiicide. Our communities need education on signs and causes of abuse and the resources available to victims," President Ruto told Kenyans.
"Awareness is a crucial step to prevention, we must increase awareness on the availability of such campaigns where victims can get refuge through toll-free platforms such as GBV 1195, Child Help 116, and the DCI reporting anonymous number 0800722203," he added.
During the press briefing, President Ruto also directed all security agencies to expedite the investigation of all feminicide cases reported in the country and bring to book all the perpetrators.
Ruto further ordered the enhancement of gender desks in all police stations across the country, adding that the government would also introduce similar desks in hospitals to ensure gender-based violence victims receive adequate care.
He went ahead to urge religious leaders to utilise their platforms and speak positively about women and women's leadership and help congregations understand that women's rights are also human rights.
President Ruto also called on all parents to be present and approachable to their children, further urging them to create homes where children feel safe, supported, and loved. According to Ruto, a strong family is the first line of defence against the dangers lurking in society.
"This challenge requires the combined efforts of the government, religious leaders, parents, teachers, civil society, and all citizens of goodwill," Ruto noted.
"Let me reiterate that the government, in its women’s agenda, is explicitly committed to ending all forms of violence. As leaders, we are united in the resolve to ensure that justice is swift and efficient," he added.
