Protect women and girls from domestic abuse during Covid-19 period

Women and girls are vulnerable when it comes to domestic abuse. According to government data, 45 per cent women and girls across Kenya aged 15 to 49 years old have suffered physical violence, while 14 per cent have experienced sexual violence.
The numbers could be far higher, because many cases are not reported to authorities, while few women receive the medical care they need or the justice they deserve.
VIOLENCE

Those statistics are during normal times in Kenya. During this strange period of coronavirus, violence has become a daily reality for many of our country’s most vulnerable.

Recent measures introduced to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 have meant that more families are staying at home together.
For many workers, it means that they are also staying at home and unable to earn a daily wage.

These measures are consequently having a more significant impact on women and girls because they have heightened the risk of gender based violence.
Though these measures are necessary to protect our country from the spread of this deadly virus, it is not an excuse to take advantage of any vulnerable person.

SEXUAL OFFENCES
The National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), which was formed in 2011 by bringing together representatives of Kenya’s justice sector who deal with policy and decision making, recently released a statement citing a spike in gender-based violence.

According to the organisation, there has been “a significant spike in sexual offences in many parts of the country in the past two weeks. In some cases, the perpetrators are close relatives, guardians and/or persons living with the victims.”

As a result of the Coronavirus regulations, victims of abuse and sexual assault now have a difficult time seeking help.
Those who are tasked with providing services for these women also have delayed response times.

Gender-based violence can result in a host of serious consequences, including physical injury, physical, mental, and reproductive health problems, and sexually transmitted infections, HIV and unplanned pregnancies.

Any form of violence against women and girls is a crime, in Kenya and anywhere in the world.
Since the government is extremely preoccupied with the spread of Covid-19 in Kenya, it is our duty as good Samaritans and neighbours that no citizen of Kenya faces unfair abuse. The enemy is not the government restrictions on movement and curfew.

It is the men that take advantage of the situation or use it as an excuse to behave in an unsavoury way.

It is hard work to make the best of a difficult situation, but it is our responsibility.
Statistics that reflect high rates of domestic abuse are a serious blight on our nation’s pride.
Everyone is facing difficulties with the lockdown, be they financial or mental. But attacking women will not relieve that.

Over the past several years, Kenya has been able to pride itself on steps taken to improve the standing of women in its society.
While First Lady Margaret Kenyatta runs programmes such as Linda Mama for maternal and infant health care and the Beyond Zero initiative to fight for women’s right and better health. The government has been on the fighting FGM.

Now is a time to be unified and reflect upon what we can do to help our country, not to seek unhealthy means to release anger.

The government recently introduced several measures aimed at combating the difficult side effects of the lockdown.

VULNERABLE
A billions of shillings have been allocated for vulnerable households while tax cuts and subsidies will go to small businesses and employees who are affected. In the months ahead, we all must tighten our belts and be a little more patient.

Certainly, nothing will be easy. However, we can help make things easier for our families and everyone in our communities if we vow to take care of one another and heed all new government restrictions.

Women and girls should not be disproportionately victimised by the Covid-19 outbreak.
This is an opportunity to support the government towards making Kenya a fairer, more equal society for all.