By Our Reporter
Calls for increased collaborations among various actors in the fight against Gender Based Violence have been made in efforts to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence in Isiolo county.
Representatives from the local civil societies, security team, health workers and members of the public said there was need to upscale awareness for the local communities to well understand all the forms of violence and the available reporting channels.
At a meeting organised by the Isiolo Community Development Trust to share knowledge and insights gathered from the recent 16 days activism against GBV, stakeholders called for strengthening of advocacy efforts to tackle forced and early marriages, Female Genital Mutilation and sexual and physical assault.
Isiolo Gender Watch Executive Director Grace Lolim, who was among the facilitators, said there was need for state and non-state actors to collectively advocate for programs and policies that promote gender equality.
“Pushing for such programs, strengthening already existing systems and building partnerships will help end human rights violations,” she said, citing elders who are the custodians of culture among critical actors whose contribution in the fight could not be overlooked.
Habiba Mohammed said though girls and women were at high risk of facing violence, majority of the organisations had neglected boys and men who equally suffer.
“Men are also victims and require assistance to access support and legal redress. Amplifying their voices will encourage those who could be facing any abuse to speak out,” the Eveready Grassroot Community Based Organisation member said during the Monday meeting.
Habiba called for setting up of designated areas at hospitals and police stations where survivors would privately report the violations without fear of victimization or stigma.
The survivors were also encouraged to use the anonymous reporting channels.
Youth leader Aisha Hussein, who is also an anti-FGM crusader, said more focus should be at the grassroots where illiteracy levels are high and misconceptions thrive.
“There is need to leverage on the tech savvy youth to push online conversations that will prompt action either through behaviour change, improved reporting of the cases and swift response by the authorities,” Aisha said.
Central Location Senior Chief Abdi Dida said the government would continue reining on the perpetrators of the crimes and implored residents to report all the incidences for legal action.
“We (chiefs) have been educating the public during barazas on the need to abandon retrogressive culture and ensure utmost respect for both genders,” he said.
ICDT Board Member Maria Lele said the meeting also offered participants an opportunity to share their experiences including the challenges they faced during the campaign and areas of collaborations.
The participants drafted an action plan, with support from the organisation, that will guide upcoming activities that include road shows, radio talk shows, online campaigns and workshops.
“We are keen on bringing all the actors on board (in the fight against GBV) as we seek to promote inclusive and equitable development in the county,” Ms Lele said.
The 16 days activism is an annual UN women led campaign that runs between November 25-December 10 which is the World Human Rights Day.
