UN Says Gender-based Violence Hinders Kenyan Women's Participation in Development

2018-05-26 19:16:15

NAIROBI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Gender Based Violence (GBV) hinders Kenyan women's participation in national development, a UN official said on Friday evening.

Ademola Olajide, UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative to Kenya, said in Nairobi that despite the progress made in the area of policy and the availability of various services, there is need to step up the efforts to reduce the level of tolerance of GBV within Kenyan society.

"GBV disproportionately affects women and hinders their optimal participation in national socio-economic development," Olajide said during a strategic advocacy event on GBV co-hosted by Nicolas Nihon, the ambassador of Belgium to Kenya, UNFPA, International Centre for Reproductive Rights (ICRH) and International Centre for Aids Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP).

The event highlighted the lessons learned from the services provided for GBV survivors as well as its implications for community services, prevention and response programs, and legal protections.

Nicolas Nihon, the Ambassador of Belgium to Kenya, stated that violence against women and girls is an extreme manifestation of gender inequality and systemic gender-based discrimination.

"The right of women and children to live free of violence depends on the protection of their human rights and a strong system of justice," Nihon said.

He said once you realize that four in every 10 women in Kenya suffer one form of violence or another, you just cannot allow the silence to reign.

The envoy said gender based violence is not just an issue for female gender activists, but a prerequisite for sustainable development.