by Reporter
Poverty remains one of the leading causes of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Homa Bay, according to the county’s Chief Officer for Gender, Dolphin Ochere.
Ochere revealed that assessment reports from her department indicate that many family conflicts stem from a lack of economic empowerment. “Homa Bay gender department report lists poverty as one of the leading causes of conflicts among families. Family members, especially couples, disagree and fight even on a small scale due to lack of economic empowerment,” she explained.
Statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) place Homa Bay among the counties in Western Kenya with a high poverty index. Currently, the county’s poverty index stands at 48.4 percent. Ochere pointed out that poverty often leads to frustrations, especially among men, who may become indignant over minor disagreements.
Some of the reported forms of GBV include physical assault, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and other forms of violence.
Speaking during the launch of this year’s 16 Days of Gender Activism campaign at Kisui in Suba North constituency, Ochere highlighted initiatives by the county government to address GBV. These include male involvement programmes, sensitisation campaigns, sports tournaments, and the drafting of a GBV policy. “We’ve increased sensitisation activities for family members to know and understand the importance of peaceful coexistence. There is a need for everyone to get protected in their families,” she said.
Esther Soti, the executive director of Development Link Knowledge Africa (DEVLINK), called for collective efforts to combat GBV in Homa Bay. She expressed concern over the rising cases of sexual violence, including defilement and rape, as well as an increase in femicide.
Soti stressed the importance of stakeholders working together to eradicate practices that fuel GBV. “There is a need for collective responsibility if we truly want to win the fight against GBV in society. We must discard cultural practices that suppress one gender over the other,” she urged.
Physical violence prevalence in Homa Bay currently stands at 54.6 percent, while sexual violence is at 23 percent.
During the launch, Homa Bay Members of County Assembly (MCAs), Pauline Omogi (nominated) and Tom Raila (Mfang’ano), advocated for the establishment of safe spaces for GBV survivors.
Omogi encouraged individuals, particularly couples experiencing conflicts, to seek refuge in safe spaces such as churches, police stations, or rescue centres. “If someone feels threatened in the family, you’re allowed to run away to avoid being harmed. We should foster peace in every place we live,” she advised.
Raila reiterated the MCAs’ commitment to approving legislation that will ensure the eradication of GBV. “We are ready to support and approve bills aimed at tackling GBV and protecting vulnerable members of society,” he assured.
As awareness campaigns continue, the focus remains on fostering peaceful coexistence and tackling the root causes of GBV, with poverty and harmful cultural practices at the forefront of the fight.
