KELIN in partnership with DFPA, FHOK and GVRC disseminated the findings from a situational analysis on the existing legislative and policy frameworks, statistics on gender-based violence, teenage pregnancies and HIV incidences among adolescents and young women within Homa Bay County, on 26 September 2019.

This report has provided evidence from the grassroots on the link between gender-based violence (GBV), teenage pregnancies and the high HIV prevalence among adolescents and young women aged 15-24 years within Homa Bay County.

The analysis challenged the key stakeholders to review their policy application, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting mechanisms, to ensure the protection of rights, wellbeing and access to justice for all GBV survivors.

Currently, GBV is regulated by several national and international laws, policies, guidelines and treaties but is hardly discussed at the county level or among communities. KELIN thus facilitated a session on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) legislative framework. This provided context on what steps have been taken to mitigate GBV and what Homa Bay County needs to incorporate in their county GBV Policy currently being drafted.

The array of participants ranging from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender, National Police Service, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Court Users Committee, local administration, to relevant civil society organizations and communities, offered feedback and recommendations, for multi-sectorial action.

Furthermore, they shared comments on the situational analysis, collaboratively mapped out GBV actors, and strategized on an implementation plan for reducing and eradicating GBV. It became apparent through this meeting that; cultural norms are a large contributor to the violence within Homa Bay County.

KELIN advocates for a holistic and inclusive approach towards addressing GBV. The results from this situational analysis will inform evidence-based county policy drafting, programming, as well as activism for improved and measurable impact, geared towards increasing the chances for detectable change.

GBV is violence that is directed at an individual based on his or her sex or gender identity. It includes physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse, threats, coercion, and denial of economic or educational rights, whether occurring in public or private life. It is a serious human rights and public health issue in Kenya and the world over. It is important to identify the factors that lead to gender inequality, unequal power relations and gender discrimination since these are the main contributors of GBV.

To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our social media platforms using the hashtag: #breakingthebarriers.

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For more information, contact:

Naomi Monda

Mombasa Road, Somak Building 4th Floor

P O Box 112 – 00202 KNH Nairobi,

Tel: 020, 2515790 │Mobile: +254790 111399

E-mail: nmonda@kelinkenya.org

Website: www.kelinkenya.org