Forum on Gender and Policy Strengthens Partnerships in Uasin Gishu County
The survivors of violence do not always know where to access help, but CSOs have intervened by providing helplines, counseling,
The Director of Gender and Social Protection at the City and County Government, Betsy Chepkemoi, praised the step as a timely move that brings together expertise, public opinion, and policy makers.
By Juliet Jerotich
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Kenya, Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), and county-level Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Uasin Gishu have joined forces on a collective platform with the objective of reversing gender equality, social protection, and policy uptake at the county level.
In addressing the event, the Director of Gender and Social Protection at the City and County Government, Betsy Chepkemoi, praised the step as a timely move that brings together expertise, public opinion, and policy makers. The forum, she believes, provides an avenue for constructive debate on the best way to constitute gender-balanced committees and improve measures against gender-based problems in the county.
“We value having a platform where government, CSOs, and civil society sit together to talk about gender and policy. The experts here are giving us the right information, and that will assist us to come up with more efficient programmes,” Chepkemoi added. She emphasized the importance of inclusiveness, noting that women and men should both be represented to achieve gender equity.
Among the major issues highlighted during the consultations was the rising number of cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the county. Chepkemoi reported that hospital statistics indicate a worrying spike in reported cases. She stressed the importance of encouraging survivors to report cases to the police and access justice.
“This year, incidents of GBV were on the rise. We are asking the public to open up, either physically, emotionally, economically, or even psychologically. Citizens must not suffer in silence,” she added further.
The forum also indicated the role of intervention by CSOs in filling some of the most important gaps. The survivors of violence do not always know where to access help, but CSOs have intervened by providing helplines, counseling, and direct access to gender desks in police stations. Chepemoy welcomed these interventions, adding that government-CSO collaborations are essential in providing timely assistance to survivors.
With the county strengthening gender protection and equality frameworks, stakeholders at the forum called for sustained campaigns of awareness-raising, sensitization of people, and empowerment programs. SDGs Kenya, AMWIK, and local CSOs’ collaboration is a significant step toward creating a safer, more inclusive society in Uasin Gishu County.
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