Gender Sensitization marks 16 days of Activism
The County government in partnership with the National government engaged stakeholders in Iten Town in marking 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence GBV.
The Sensitization exercise began with a procession from Iten County Referral Hospital ICRH to Iten Town before heading to Iten grounds.
Association of People Living With HIV, Forum For Women Empowerment (FOWE ) Agnes Tirop Angeles Foundation, Nairobi Women’s GBV Recovery Centre, Ampath Plus Uzima, Red Cross Society and Global Women Development Network were some of the stakeholders whose representatives were in attendance.
Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Cheserek was the chief guest alongside County First Lady Mrs Fiona Rotich.
According to Prof. Cheserek, Elgeyo Marakwet is one of the 22 hotspots of Gender Based Violence in Kenya with Kerio Valley being listed as one of the worst hit areas.
“I therefore call on everyone to be in the forefront in fighting this vice and ensure our homes are safe places for women and Girls,” said Prof Cheserek.
Statistics have indicated that homes are the places where violence is perpetuated, said the Professor.
She said the County government will establish a Rescue Centre facility near the Iten County Referral Hospital.
The DG asked the officer in charge of National Council for Disabilities in Elgeyo Marakwet to provide the county government with a Data of people living with Disabilities.
Wananchi who may witness cases of Gender Based Violence can call a toll free telephone number 1195 to report any cases.
Mrs Rotich said effects of GBV have not only caused women and Girls suffering but also economic losses.
The First Lady said:” Violence against women takes many forms such as physical and emotional abuse, sexual exploitation or rape and the impact can be devastating,”
Ms Roseline Oyuke, official from the National Council for People Living With Disabilities called on Wananchi to guard vulnerable groups and children against harmful practice and recklessness.
Meanwhile the National Endemic Diseases Council is in the process of engaging Nyumba Kumi elders in the fight against HIV.
Sports CECM Purity Koima and Gender Advisor Winnie Kanda were among County and National officials present.
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