Uasin Gishu Journalists Join Forces in Launch of 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, Amplifying Survivors’ Voices
Members of the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association and Eldoret Media Hub (wearing orange reflector jackets) participate in a spirited jig during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The Uasin Gishu Journalists Association and the Eldoret Media Hub played an instrumental role in the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign on November 25, 2024. The journalists’ commitment to raising awareness about GBV is crucial in amplifying the voices of survivors and pushing for meaningful change in the community.
Uasin Gishu County Deputy Governor Hon. Evans Kapkea joined the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network and national government officials at the Uasin Gishu County Headquarters, where he emphasized the significance of the campaign. “This campaign is not just an event; it is a movement to end violence against women and girls in our communities,” he said. “We must stand together to protect the most vulnerable among us and ensure that their voices are heard.”
The media’s role in creating awareness was highlighted throughout the event, as journalists from the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association a member of the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network and the Eldoret Media Hub worked to provide a platform for survivors to share their painful experiences. Their coverage brought the gravity of GBV cases to the forefront, ensuring that the community was informed and motivated to take action.
Caroline Rono, a GBV survivor from Kapseret, shared her harrowing journey through domestic violence, recounting the emotional and physical abuse she endured. “My life has been hell since 2019,” she said. “I got married hoping for a better life with my two daughters, but by 2022, I became a refugee in my own home, facing beatings and violence from my husband.”
Ann, another survivor, also shared her story, which included a traumatic period of sex work to support her eight children after her husband’s death. “I’ll never forget the night I saw my colleagues killed in front of me while I begged for my life,” she said, revealing the deep scars that still linger from her trauma.
The event underscored the severity of GBV in Uasin Gishu County, with statistics showing that between October 2023 and September 2024, 13,606 cases of physical and emotional violence, along with 1,456 cases of sexual violence, were reported in Uasin Gishu County. National statistics show that 45% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
In response, Deputy Governor Kapkea outlined several initiatives aimed at combating GBV, including community awareness campaigns, stricter alcohol regulation, and collaborations with civil society organizations to create safe spaces for survivors. He emphasized that this issue requires collective action to make lasting change.
Benedine Kipruto, Chair of the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network, echoed this sentiment, urging everyone to join the fight against GBV: “Let us stand up and say ‘no more to violence.’ This is not just about women and girls; men too experience violence and must be part of the solution.”
The active involvement of the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association and the Eldoret Media Hub in amplifying these voices highlights their continued commitment to raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and advocating for a safer, more just society for all.
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