Empowering Communities, Advancing Justice: A Bold New Chapter in Combating Gender-Based Violence

Nyando Sub-county, Kisumu – In an inspiring display of commitment to justice and equality, the Kisumu Regional Office, in collaboration with the Judiciary, hosted an Equality and Inclusion Technical Working Group event in Nyando Sub-county. This initiative, which formed part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), took place at Karanda Primary School and aimed to empower local communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to fight gender-based violence. At the heart of the event was a groundbreaking simulation of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) case management, offering the public an immersive and insightful demonstration of the courtroom procedures involved in GBV cases. The simulation provided participants with a firsthand understanding of the justice process, showcasing the GBV case referral pathway and the critical roles of various duty bearers within the justice chain.

The importance of this event cannot be overstated. With alarming increases in cases of femicide and defilement across the region, raising legal awareness and ensuring inclusive access to justice has become more urgent than ever. This collaborative effort serves as a reminder that legal systems are not merely abstract concepts but tangible tools that must be accessible and understandable to the people they serve. "Empowering communities with the knowledge of their rights and the legal processes available to them is the first step toward a more just and inclusive society," said Stephanie Chebet from the Kisumu Regional Office. "By familiarising citizens with the justice system, we can reduce barriers and build trust, enabling more survivors of GBV to come forward and seek the justice they deserve."

The event also served to clarify the roles of judicial officers, police, and other key stakeholders in handling GBV cases. By breaking down the often complex legal processes into easily digestible steps, the simulation provided clarity on how cases are handled, from the reporting stage through to the court hearings, and emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to ensuring justice for survivors. In addition to offering a valuable learning experience for attendees, the event was a call to action. As genderbased violence continues to plague many communities, it is clear that addressing this issue requires not only legal reform but a societal shift towards greater accountability, inclusivity, and protection of women and girls. As the event concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of empowerment and a deeper understanding of the role they can play in combatting gender-based violence. The event was a powerful reminder that justice is not a privilege but a fundamental right, and that protecting the rights of women and girls requires concerted effort from every corner of society.

NGEC Kisumu Regional's Stephanie Chebet at the Equality and Inclusion Technical Working Group event in Nyando Sub-county