On 2 October, the world commemorated World Non-Violence Day, and I was reminded of Mahatma Gandhi’s words: “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.” Yet, for many women and young girls from Africa and beyond its borders, non-violence is still an elusive dream.
Violence against women and young girls in Africa remains one of the most pervasive and devastating forms of injustice, and the stark reality is that gender-based violence (GBV) permeates our homes, livelihoods, workplaces, streets, public spaces, and sadly, the digital space too #OGBV, spaces that were once regarded as safe for all.
Here in Kenya, GBV remains a grim reality as women and even men undergo threats—from domestic violence, sexual assaults, and emotional abuse, and sometimes those from the pastoralist and marginalised communities like myself still undergo harmful retrogressive cultural practices like female genital mutilation (FGM).
Many men and women are silently suffering without getting justice. It recently became so terrible and alarming that a male blogger was politically intimidated, sexually and physically assaulted for speaking out against the ills of the government in their locality. The incident represents many unreported and unknown stories of victims of GBV and the use of violence to silence criticism.
The Kenyan government, on the other hand, has had a role in the recent abductions, unlawful intimidation, and arrests of activists and government critics since the Finance Bill protests by the youthful populace. Many young men and women have faced threats, violence, and in extreme cases, death. Innocent deaths still demand justice, and all this in itself is a threat to the civic space. As we commemorate this year’s Non-Violence Week, we must remember that it isn’t only an absence of physical maltreatment, but a commitment to promoting safety, respect, and the basic freedoms and rights of the entire human race.
I believe in peace and unity as a young woman leader and a human rights advocate. We need to collectively rally grassroots communities, regimes, civil societies, global actors, and stakeholders to act and address the issue of GBV from its root cause. This will positively impact the effectiveness of accountability, having safe spaces for survivors and victims, as well as speaking against harmful and retrogressive cultural practices.
On this great day, may we always remain peaceful, amplify survivors’ voiceless voices, and honour those whose lives were lost in the fight against violence, freedom, and upholding human rights. I would love to partner with individuals, organisations, and leaders working on ending violence. Let us all break the silence in the war against violence.
Nellie Chepkemoi is vice chair @WeCare CBO. She is a public policy, gender, leadership and public accountability expert, as well as NALA Fellow. Email: nellylngt@gmail.com.