The National Gender and Equality Commission (Ngec) is planning to launch a nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at addressing increased cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The commission will hold public forums in various parts of the country with a special focus on men.

The first meeting will be held in Maragua, Murang’a county.

Ngec Commissioner Mbithuka Nzomo said the forum will be used to engage communities on effective policies and interventions to combat GBV cases.

“We will have a separate sitting with men, who are usually seen as the perpetrators even when they are the victims, said Nzomo.

Nzomo said that the prevalence of GBV in Murang’a stands at 53 per cent for reported cases, saying there are also many more incidences which go unreported.

Contributing factors
Drug and alcoholism have been highlighted as the major contributing factors to femicide, discrimination, and GBV.

“The feedback we get from the members of the public will help us come up with some strategies and interventions to curb the trend,”he remarked.

He said they will be working closely with the national government administration officers and the county governments to come up with measures to handle the cases.

Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha said cases of GBV have hit alarming levels, noting that on a daily basis a report is filed at the police station and one death reported weekly.

Nkanatha however said men who fall victims of Gender-Based Violence often do not report fearing being ridiculed by the society.

“There is a notion that only women are victims of GBV, but men are also affected but they don’t come out to talk about it,” said the county commissioner.

He also pointed out that cases of female genital mutilation (FGM) are being reported.

Nkanatha attributed the increase in the primitive practice on the resurgence of outlawed gangs.

“Anybody with information on such practices being undertaken should report to the authorities,” he said.

Murang’a County Secretary Newton Mwangi called for an inclusive approach in tacking the matter. He proposed the establishment of a safe house where the victims can stay while undergoing counselling.