Kenyatta University Centre for Gender Equity & Empowerment in collaboration with the Department of Sociology, Gender & development Studies and Kenyatta University Women’s Economic Empowerment Hub, marked the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence from 25^th November – 10^th December 2021.

This annual international campaign kicks off on 25^th November [the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women] and runs until 10 December [Human Rights Day]. It was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

Inspired by the original vision and history of the Campaign, which focused on raising awareness about violence against women (VAW), and considering the continuing impunity for femicide, this year the Campaign will focus on the issue of “femicide or the gender-related killing of women.”

The global theme for this year is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”  By choosing this theme, the color orange symbolizes a brighter future, free of violence; and also serves as a means of demonstrating one’s solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence. Orange is therefore used as the color of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

In 2021, in addition to the anniversary theme, the Campaign will continued its program activities to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the world of work by focusing on the link between domestic violence and the world of work, drawing on legal standards outlined in ILO Convention 190 (C190) and the actions put forward in Recommendation 206 (R206).

As observed, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has presented the world with new challenges, which call for individual and collective solutions, to speak against and end violence, not just against women but all. A world without violence is possible and this moment demands unparalleled courage and joint action to make this vision a reality.

To mark this 16 days, some of the activities carried out include;

1.      This annual international campaign kicked off on Thursday 25^th November 2021 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) with a virtual celebration from 9am-11am. There were presentations from;

a)      Dr. Samuel Mwangi, Ag. Chairperson Sociology, Gender and Development Studies

b)      Dr. Richard Wafula, Dean, School of Humanities & Social Sciences

c)      Prof. Judith Waudo, Director, Centre Gender Equity and Empowerment (CGEE) and KU –WEE Hub leader

d)      Edith Murogo, Executive Director and founder, Centre for Domestic Training & Development (CDTD)

e)      Prof. Grace Wamue-Ngare, Advocacy & Policy Engagement Expert and Principal Investigator (SGBV theme 3 ) KU WEE Hub

f)       Dr. Grace Okong’o, Lecturer & Researcher KU-WEE HUB SGBV Project

g)      Ms. Pamela Karimi Muriuki, State Department of Gender

h)      Ms. Josephine Thua, a PhD student at Kenyatta University

2.      On Sunday 28^th November 2021 there was an outreach campaign at Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Evergreen, Runda. Prof. Wamue Ngare led a team of 18 students and 5 members of staff to worship at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Evergreen, Runda. She spoke both at the seniors’ congregation and the youth about the dangers of SGBV, its manifestations and how to prevent it. The service was from 9am – 12 noon.

      Students Campaign against SGBV at Kenyatta University

Students from the school of Humanities and other schools came together to create awareness on gender based violence during the 16 days of activism that ran from 25^th November to 10^th December 2021. Activism was done on every Thursdays (25^th, 2^nd and 9^th November 2021) at school grounds.

The students were divided into four groups namely;

a)      Students doing activism in the classrooms

b)      Students doing activism in the hostels

c)      Students doing activism at the outlets

d)      Students doing activism to students with disabilities  

4.     General Publicity on social media platforms like the Website Write up, Twitter, Facebook and a talk on KUTV

Students marching around Kenyatta University, Main Campus for the 16 Days of Activism campaign against GBV Thursday 25^th 2021.

Students at KU-WEE HUB as they marched around KU main campus campaigning on the 16 Days of Activism against GBV Thursday 25^th 2021.

Students at the Directorate Complex with Prof. Judith Waudo, Director, Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment on the 16 Days of Activism against GBV Thursday 25^th 2021.

Students at KU Main Campus , Main Gate as they marched around KU main campus campaigning on the 16 Days of Activism against GBV Thursday 25^th 2021.

Students accompanied Prof. Wamue-Ngare (far right) for Outreach campaign at Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Evergreen, Runda on Sunday 28th November 2021