Here Are the Causes of Increased Gender-Based Violence In the Country

It happens in different ways such as physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse, threats, coercion, and economic or educational deprivation, whether in public or private life.

However, from January to April this year, 2021 cases of gender-based violence have been on the surge.

Several young women are being abused in their relationship’s marriages either sexually, emotionally, and physically.

Speaking with Bright Kenya News on Thursday 29^th in a live interview Evelyne Bowa, the founder and Managing Director of Agape Woman and Child Empowerment Foundation {Awoche}, stated that with the situation of Covid 19 in the country which has placed the state of the Economy at a stake, GBV has increased since most people are affected mentally with too much stress.

She also added that Lack of finances has been another issue Partners tend to eliminate others' lives due to the bitterness of lacking finances to keep them afloat.

Miss Bowa also mentioned that Conflict also plays a major role in increasing GBV in society since partners/people fail to understand one another further leading to serious disagreement.

        Everlyne Bowa, Founder & Managing Director  at Agape Woman and Child Empowerment Foundation {Awoche} Photo Courtesy

On the other hand, she added that Family is also not let out family members fail to understand GBV is not Right and it should be condemned.

Asked on how Awoche Foundation has been carrying out its sensitization to the society on matters about GVB “As an organization, we've been using a community radio station {Name not Mentioned} to sensitize the society on GBV Matters we also use posters, Door to door Sensitization, and working with schools around Kibera slums Closely to ensure that this message is well passed among different communities in the society” she said.

According to Madam Evelyne, they deal with four types of Gender-Based Violence,

Sexual: This is where one is assaulted intentionally by being touched sexually by another person without their consent. It can be through coerced or physical forces from a person.

Rape: This is when a person intentionally penetrates another's vagina, anus, or mouth with a penis, without the other person's consent and this case has been on the increase in Slum areas.

                               Young Women and Girls in Awoche Foundation  Photo Courtesy  Awoche Foundation 

Physical Assault: This once uses physical violence/energy to cause injury/ harm to the other person`s body it majorly happens in a family amongst couples.

Female Genital Mutilation: This is the kind of assault where young girls are taken to circumcision as a way of rite of passage among some communities. It is normally very dangerous since a woman can over bleed which can cause their death.

For more on this particular story watch its full Episode on our YouTube Channel Bright Kenya News.