Makueni: Proponents of anti-GBV have called on the need to promote safe, respectful, and non-violent behavior using online spaces with a view to prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against women, girls, boys, youth, and men. The County Executive Committee Member for the Department of Gender, Children, Youth, Sports and Social Service, Eng. Sabastian Kyoni, during the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, 2025, urged residents to be ambassadors of anti-GBV in Makueni.
According to Kenya News Agency, Eng. Kyoni emphasized the importance of increasing community awareness about the nature, prevalence, and impact of GBV, including both online and offline violence, which is on the rise. He stated that the government will collaborate with organized groups, young professionals, community leaders, faith-based organizations, and local media to engage in advocacy and norm-change activities on GBV and online safety.
Eng. Kyoni highlighted that GBV is a community concern and a shared responsibility, stating, “Every survivor deserves safety, dignity, and justice. We must break the silence, challenge harmful norms, and stand together to protect our mothers, daughters, sons, youths, men, and neighbors.” He called upon residents and partners to reject all forms of violence and support survivors, emphasizing that the responsibility to create a violence-free county belongs to everyone.
This year’s theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” underscores the urgency to address online violence alongside physical, sexual, and emotional forms of GBV affecting individuals worldwide. Speaking at Makueni Vocational Training Centre, Eng. Kyoni reiterated the necessity of ending online violence.
Makueni Subcounty Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Paul Langat also addressed the forum, highlighting the widespread issue of GBV across the country, including cases of defilement of young girls. Langat challenged stakeholders to prioritize reporting and prosecuting GBV cases, noting, “Some of these cases of GBV are not reported and never get to the court of law. We must come together and try to address these issues so that people can speak out.”
Langat urged collective action against GBV, emphasizing that it affects everyone directly or indirectly. He stressed the importance of working together with all stakeholders to ensure the message of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV reaches all residents in the area.
