Eldoret National Polytechnic Students Urged to Stand Against Gender-Based Violence
In a powerful address to the September 2024 intake, Deputy Dean of Students Madam Jane Marindich emphasized the urgent need for first-year students at Eldoret National Polytechnic to combat gender-based violence (GBV). Speaking to a gathering of freshers, she highlighted the pervasive nature of GBV, which ranges from sexual harassment to exploitation, and called on students to take a proactive stance.
Marindich noted that new students are particularly vulnerable to exploitation due to their financial needs. Citing the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, she pointed out that sexual harassment remains the most common assault in Kenyan colleges, urging students to take decisive actions to protect themselves.
“This violence negatively impacts academic performance, and we’ve seen victims struggle to concentrate in class, sometimes leading to dropout,” Marindich stated. She encouraged students to create a supportive environment that fosters dignity and respect.
To build a society free from GBV, Marindich stressed the importance of being informed about rights and understanding the polytechnic’s guiding policies. She urged students to challenge harmful stereotypes and ensure clear consent in all interactions.
“Support victims of GBV and challenge the stereotypes that dictate what people can or cannot do,” she concluded, calling for a collective effort to foster a safe educational environment.
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