National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) chairperson Rehema Jaldesa has called for collaboration among stakeholders to eliminate gender-based violence.

Speaking when the commission paid a courtesy call to Isiolo Deputy Governor James Lowasa at his office, Jaldesa said while great strides had been made to promote gender equality and ensure freedom of expression, more needs to be done to end violence against vulnerable populations.

“There is a need to address issues affecting special interest and marginalised groups, including women, children, persons living with disabilities and the elderly. We need to work together to eliminate gender-based violence, female genital mutilation and early marriages,” said Jaldesa.

She further noted the serious need to engage the boy child “who seems to have been neglected if we are to form strong and healthy relationships in the family and community”.

“There are no interventions targeting men between the ages of 36 and 60, yet they are active men. Let us not concentrate too much on the girl child and leave out the men if our efforts to achieve gender equality are to be realised,” she said.

Dr Lowasa said in partnership with the Gender Technical Working Group, the county had made great strides in tackling cases of FGM and gender-based violence.

“Isiolo is cosmopolitan, with a number of communities living in the area relying on pastoralism. The security of women and children is paramount; hence, we are seeking to establish a rescue centre at the Isiolo Referral Hospital for survivors of GBV,” said Lowasa.

He further noted that the enactment of policies such as the Gender Policy, Female Genital Mutilation Policy, Child Protection Policy and Social Protection Policy have contributed to success stories in promoting gender equality