By Obegi Malack
@obegimalack
Community Based Organization, Forum for Women in Development, Democracy and Justice (FODDAJ) hosted a workshop for Government administrators and Gender Based Violence (GBV) crusaders to sensitise them, residents and other stakeholders over rising cases of gender violence in Kajiado County.
The attendees were trained on importance of working together to prevent and respond to cases of GBV such as defilement, female genital mutilation, rape, early marriage and domestic violence in their jurisdictions.
FODDAJ Project Co-ordinator Julian Nekesa shared with participants principles that they should follow when gathering information about GBV. The attendees were urged to talk with women and girls directly about their needs and concerns.
Organizations present were urged to hire and train their teams before sending them to information on GBV, they were advised. “This will help in getting crucial information to help the victim,” stated the organization’s Programmes Director Nancy Sitima.
“Ensure confidentiality so victims of GBV should not be exposed and to ensure their future is protected. Releasing sensitive GBV data intentionally or unintentionally in a manner that does not fully consider all possible implications jeopardizes ethics and put survivors, communities and program staff at risk,” she noted.
The survivor’s case should not be shared with anyone if she does not give consent or permission.
“It is also important to engage men in GBV programs to change social norms that promote or condone gender-based violence,” she stated.
She said Health facilities is the first destination for GBV victims to access services before seeking help from any other place; the tests are used as evidence in court.
Kware Assistant Chief Esther Njeri who has been in the forefront in fighting cases of GBV said the state takes over cases of GBV and the responsibility for investigating and prosecuting those involved and they do not have to consult the victims.
Gataka Assistant Chief David Mutarin decried the increase of GBV cases in Gataka Centre due to increase in population.
FODDAJ also held a walk in Kware slum, Kajiado North Constituency to sensitize the community on gender based violence. The walk saw participation of residents from the region