#16DaysofActivism Aims to Halt Gender-Based Violence

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign shines an international spotlight on the need to join together to end violence against women and girls.

Throughout the campaign, AMPATH partners shared key messages and brought together stakeholders committed to ending GBV and supporting survivors.

In Bungoma County, the launch took place at Kimaeti Primary School in Bumula Sub-County. Working closely with the Ministry of Health’s Division of Maternal and Child Health, the Ministry of Gender Culture and Social Services, and the State Department of Gender and Affirmative Action, USAID Dumisha Afya reaffirmed its dedication to addressing GBV through strengthened health systems and community engagement.

Representing USAID Dumisha Afya and Chief of Party Dr. Ashiono Everline, the project GBV lead Ms. Susan Nandi, highlighted the importance of timely medical checkups and trauma support for GBV survivors. She commended the collaboration between USAID Dumisha Afya and the county government in enhancing health center services, including psychosocial care, to ensure survivors receive specialized support. She also emphasized the critical role of community structures, such as village elders, in identifying and referring GBV cases to health facilities. She encouraged young girls to prioritize self-care and speak out against violence while urging the community to report incidents to the authorities.

The event brought together a range of partners, including USAID 4TheChild, Kenya Red Cross, Forum for African Women Educationalists Kenya (FAWE), Maendeleo ya Wanawake Bungoma, The Women Caucus, and the Kenya-Finland Bilateral Program, who echoed the call for collective action against GBV. The DC of Bumula, Mr. Micah Ondoro, emphasized the role of men in championing inclusivity and supporting efforts to end GBV.

In Busia County, the campaign’s activities culminated on December 5th with an event in Butula Sub-county, attended by the Deputy Governor H.E. Hon. Arthur Odera, other county executives, civil society representatives, healthcare workers, and community members including the Boda Boda Association. Hon. Arthur Odera delivered a powerful message, underlining that keeping girls in school is fundamental for societal progress and called for increased male involvement. “As a society, we must keep the fight alive and support our women and girls,” he urged.

The event marked the official launch of the Busia County SGBV Policy—a significant framework designed to guide the prevention and response to GBV. Other key initiatives for the day included the opening of a new rescue shelter, a legal aid clinic to empower survivors, and sensitization sessions on SHA (health insurance) registration to enhance service access. The Deputy Governor’s heartfelt gratitude extended to all partners for their dedication, recognizing that more work is needed but that progress is being made.

During the event in Busia County, various speakers came together to reinforce the message of unity and collective action against GBV. They highlighted the need for survivor-centered support and the crucial role of community vigilance. Collectively, these voices reminded the community of the shared responsibility to stand against violence and protect survivors.

Other activities in Busia supported by USAID Dumisha Afya included community dialogues and advocacy forums, capacity building for healthcare workers, positive masculinity sports, and advocacy events, menstrual hygiene management initiatives, and tree-planting activities.

Throughout the 16 Days, USAID Dumisha Afya maintained a strong presence, broadcasting daily messages to mobilize the public. Customized messages from the Chief of Party Dr. Ashiono Everline, staff, and county representatives reinforced the urgency of collective action against GBV. These initiatives underscored the project’s unwavering support and its commitment to fostering a safer, more inclusive environment for all, particularly women and girls.

The conclusion of this campaign is not the end of the fight. It is a reminder that we must all continue to work together to make lasting change. USAID Dumisha Afya remains steadfast in its mission to create a society where GBV is no longer tolerated, and survivors are empowered and supported.

In Kakamega, USAID 4TheChild marked the campaign by supporting the launch of the county’s Sexual Gender Based Violence Control (SGBV) and Management Act. The Act establishes specific provisions for protection of children and vulnerable groups and ensuring that the offenders are held culpable while prioritizing the right and dignity of the survivors.

The event was graced by county leadership including Deputy Governor H.E Ayub Savula, county First Lady H. E. Prof. Janet Kassilly; County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr. Benard Wesonga and a section of members of the county assembly. 

Survivors of violence shared their experiences that triggered a call for action against perpetrators. The leaders acknowledged SGBV as a crisis and noted that the act will help in taming the vice. They also called for development of gender responsive budgets and psychological support for the victims.

USAID 4TheChild is at the forefront in the fight against GBV through awareness creation on prevention of HIV; facilitating positive parenting sessions in the community; and modeling positive behavior among adolescent boys to respect rights of women and girls.

The project is implementing a Positive Youth Development Manual targeting adolescents age 15 and up with curated content that assists in delivering positive youth development.

In Eldoret, the event at the Uasin Gishu County Headquarters began with a procession across town. Deputy Governor H.E. Evans Kapkea commended progress in GBV awareness and highlighted county initiatives such as Safe Homes and alcohol rehabilitation centers to support survivors and address root causes of violence.

The Deputy Governor shared sobering statistics: between October 2023 and September 2024, the county recorded 13,606 cases of physical and emotional violence and 1,456 cases of sexual violence, reflecting the pervasive nature of GBV in communities.

Three courageous GBV survivors shared powerful testimonies, depicting the devastating impact of violence on families. The Chairperson of the Gender Committee, Hon. Patrick Chemeli Kimaiyo, called for early interventions and the integration of respect for human dignity into education systems to prevent GBV.

Stakeholders, including Uasin Gishu County civil society organizations and the county health department, pledged to strengthen advocacy, prevention, and survivor support through partnerships and roundtable discussions. The campaign reinforces the collective commitment to end GBV and build safer, more inclusive communities.

USAID AMPATH Uzima, USAID Dumisha Afya and USAID 4TheChild activities are supported by USAID through PEPFAR with support from the American People.

As echoed during the #16DaysofActivism, let us remain united in the fight against GBV. Together, we can create a safer, more equitable society for all.