The National Gender-based Violence (GBV) Working Group has completed the final version of the Memorandum on Gender-based Violence Including Femicide. This pivotal document is now ready for submission to the recently gazetted Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence, established by President William Ruto.
The memorandum lays out a set of policy and legal recommendations aimed at transforming how Kenya addresses GBV, with a particular focus on the growing crisis of femicide. In addition, the Working Group outlined a roadmap for advocating and ratifying the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG).
Why the Memorandum Matters
The Memorandum on GBV and Femicide is expected to become a foundational document in Kenya’s effort to develop robust policy and legal frameworks that prevent violence, support survivors, and address the root causes of gender-based crimes.
According to Ms. Alberta Wambua, Co-Chairperson of the National GBV Working Group, the document provides a multidimensional set of recommendations:
- Stronger coordination in prevention and response efforts across government and civil society.
- Legal reforms and policy implementation to close gaps in existing frameworks.
- Survivor-centred approaches that prioritize justice, safety, and protection.
- Increased resource allocation to ensure nationwide effectiveness of anti-GBV interventions.
The Rising Tide of Femicide and GBV in Kenya
Kenya continues to witness alarming increases in violence against women and girls, including cases of femicide. These rising numbers have sparked public outcry and increased pressure on the government and civil society to act with urgency and coordination.
Ms. Mary Wanjiru, Team Lead for Ending Violence against Women and Girls at UN Women Kenya, highlighted the urgent need for a whole-of-society approach. She emphasized that the Technical Working Group will now play a vital role in reviewing and recommending institutional, legal, and policy measures that can effectively address GBV and femicide.
The Role of the Technical Working Group on GBV
The Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence Including Femicide is envisioned as a multi-stakeholder platform bringing together government agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations. Its role is to oversee and recommend policy measures that accelerate gender equality and women’s empowerment in Kenya.
By receiving the finalized memorandum, the Technical Working Group is expected to initiate a structured process of evaluating and implementing the proposed reforms, including those related to Kenya’s obligations under international and continental gender frameworks such as AU-CEVAWG.
UN Women’s Continued Support
The efforts are being supported by UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality. UN Women Kenya has been instrumental in offering technical support, facilitating dialogue, and ensuring that survivor perspectives inform policy recommendations.
Globally, UN Women works with governments and civil society to ensure effective implementation of gender policies and to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality.
To learn more about UN Women’s work in Kenya, visit: UN Women Eastern and Southern Africa – Kenya
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