On the 29th of November, the University of Nairobi bore witness to a powerful and impactful event as a way of marking the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence – the Silenced No More campaign. The event dubbed ‘UNITE! INVEST TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS’ was spearheaded by the Embassy of Denmark in Kenya – Nairobi in collaboration with the European Union alongside other implementing partners, marked a significant step forward, in the collective battle against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
GBV is a pervasive vice that transcends borders, affecting individuals regardless of nationality, race, or socioeconomic status. Ambassador Stephen Schonemann, in his opening remarks, emphasized the global nature of GBV and underscored the need for unified action.
“Gender Based Violence is a global phenomenon, we need a concerted effort for us to realize the aversion of the pervasive vice,” Amb. Stephen Schonemann Embassy of Denmark in Kenya Ambassador.
Statistical evidence supports this claim, illustrating that combating GBV requires a concerted effort from every corner of society.
One key takeaway from the campaign is the recognition that addressing GBV is not a one-dimensional task. The multifaceted nature of GBV demands a comprehensive and nuanced approach. From educational institutions to government bodies, NGOs, and individuals, everyone has a role to play in dismantling the structures that accelerate violence against marginalized groups.
The active involvement of Population Services Kenya’s Accelerate project in partnership with Gender Violence Recovery Center (GVRC) in the Silenced No More campaign exemplifies the importance of strategic partnerships in tackling GBV, as well as conspicuously stamping and highlighting Accelerate’s vision which hinges towards focusing on increasing access and utilization of comprehensive, inclusive, and integrated sexual reproductive health rights and maternal and child health services and gender-based violence response, strengthening respect for human rights. Through such targeted initiatives and awareness programs, Population Service Kenya has contributed significantly to breaking the societal norms that enable Gender-Based Violence.
The day’s event was garnished by a powerful play titled “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow Is enuf.” This play delves into the experiences of women facing various forms of oppression and violence. Such creative expressions serve as a mirror to society, compelling individuals to reflect on the harsh realities faced by survivors of GBV.
The campaign stands as a testament to the collective strength needed to combat gender-based violence. As statistics highlight the global reach of this issue, initiatives like Population Services Kenya’s Accelerate project, in collaboration with diplomatic entities such as the Embassy of Denmark in Kenya and the European Union, showcase the impact of unified efforts. The play adds a focal dimension to the campaign, urging society to break the silence surrounding gender-based violence. It is only through such collaborative endeavors, that we can hope to create a world where no one has to suffer in silence.
