By KPC REPORTER
Human rights activists are advocating for stronger laws and policies to tame incidences of Gender Based Violence in Kisii County.
The stakeholders who attended a two-day GBV workshop in Kisii Town also want the development of survivor-centered services, and better coordination between government and community organizations.
Lilian Gor, who is a nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA) said community members must combine efforts to combat GBV.
Gor emphasized that addressing GBV is not just a legal or political issue, but a moral matter that requires the collective effort of all sectors of society.
“We must ensure that Kisii County leads in the fight against gender-based violence,” Gor said.
“This is not just about laws and policies; it is all about creating a safe environment for our mothers, daughters, sisters and all members of the society.
She said there should be comprehensive enforceable GBV crucial in preventing violence and protecting survivors.
The stakeholders also underscored the importance of dedicating sufficient financial resources to combat GBV.
They also resolved to have multi-sectorial collaboration including healthcare, law enforcement, and the broader legal system.
A multi-disciplinary approach is seen as essential for providing holistic support to survivors and ensuring a coordinated response to GBV.
More resolutions
The stakeholders also called for improved access to justice and survivor- centered services, including the establishment of more accessible and survivor-centered services.
These services should ensure that victims of GBV are not further marginalized or re-victimized by the justice system.
They also called for mainstreaming of GBV prevention and development funds.
“GBV should be integrated into all levels of development planning,” the attendees said joint list of resolutions.
Members proposed that development funds be allocated to programs aimed at educating the community and preventing violence.
At the same time, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of GBV programs was seen as necessary to ensure the success of initiatives.
Kisii county government was asked to champion the resolutions and take responsibility for implementing policies and programs aimed at reducing GBV in the region.
The government was also asked to allocate resources effectively to ensure that the measures discussed during the workshop are executed.
The county assembly arm was called upon to legislate stronger GBV policies and ensure that sufficient funds are allocated for relevant programs.
Law enforcement and judicial institutions were also called upon to prioritize GBV cases, ensuring that survivors receive timely and fair treatment.
Civil society organizations, religious leaders and community groups were urged to lead efforts at the grassroots level to raise awareness and drive advocacy and prevention initiatives.
The two-day workshop aimed at addressing ongoing challenges surrounding GBV in the region.
It was attended by county leaders, activists, legal experts and other stakeholders and identified the above stated actionable solutions.