NGEC Joins Forces with Treasury to Bridge Funding Gap for GenderBased Violence Prevention

In an important move to address the mounting crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya, the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) recently paid a courtesy call to Hon. CPA John Mbadi, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning.

The meeting focused on the urgent need for additional resources to tackle the increasing cases of GBV and ensure equitable access to government programs for Special Interest Groups (SIGs), which include women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities.

The Commission’s discussion with the Cabinet Secretary came against the backdrop of rising GBV cases across the country, compounded by insufficient funding to address these critical issues.

The NGEC underscored the necessity for a robust funding mechanism to not only support prevention and response programs but also to enhance systems for tracking and managing GBV cases efficiently. It was noted that a lack of resources has hindered the ability to implement key interventions, including education and empowerment initiatives for the most vulnerable members of society. One of the key points raised by the Cabinet Secretary was the urgent need for the NGEC to spearhead research into the root causes of GBV. Hon. Mbadi emphasized that comprehensive and evidence-based research is critical to understanding the underlying drivers of gender violence, which will inform long-term solutions and policy reforms.

The NGEC welcomed this suggestion, highlighting the importance of data-driven strategies for combating GBV. The Commission outlined a series of critical requests, with a particular focus on securing the necessary resources to meet Kenya’s international obligations related to gender equality and human rights. These include support for programmatic initiatives designed to empower SIGs, tackle inequality, and curb the rise of GBV.

The NGEC reiterated its commitment to promoting inclusive and transparent governance, assuring the Treasury that funds would be allocated efficiently to ensure maximum impact. In the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10), which focuses on reducing inequalities. The Treasury and NGEC acknowledged that closing the funding gap is crucial for fostering equality, inclusion, and justice for all Kenyans.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of crosssector collaboration between government ministries and civil society organisations to drive these goals forward. As Kenya faces the challenges of a rapidly changing socio-economic landscape, the NGEC remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the rights of the most vulnerable groups in society. With the support of the Treasury, the Commission believes it can close the funding gap for programs aimed at promoting equality, inclusion, and justice.

This partnership marks a crucial step towards ensuring that Kenya remains on track to meet its national and international gender equality commitments.

In conclusion, the NGEC’s continued advocacy for funding and the empowerment of SIGs, along with its dedication to tackling GBV and inequality, underscores the Commission’s unwavering commitment to building a more just and equitable society.

Through focused dialogue and collaboration, we can safeguard the future for Kenya’s most vulnerable citizens and work towards a more inclusive and prosperous nation.

Commission holds a meeting with Hon. CPA John Mbadi, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, during a courtesy call