Kenyan Activist Battles Gender-Based Violence Epidemic

A woman walks past an informational mural against gender based violence, on a street, in Nairobi, Kenya, Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Globally, one in three women experiences either intimate partner viol

In Kenya, the fight against gender-based violence is intensifying as the country grapples with a silent epidemic that has claimed the lives of nearly 60 women since the beginning of the year. Njeri Migwi, co-founder of the organization Usikimye, is at the forefront of this battle, providing support and protection to survivors of gender-based violence.

According to Migwi, the statistics are alarming, with over 11 million women in Kenya having experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner. Tragically, at least 500 women have lost their lives due to gender-based violence between January 2016 and December 2023.

Usikimye, which means “Don't be silent” in Swahili, offers a lifeline to women trapped in violent relationships, providing safe housing and counseling to help them rebuild their lives. Migwi, herself a survivor of domestic violence, founded the organization in 2019 to address the urgent need for intervention in communities where cases of violence against women often go unreported.

The recent high-profile case of Wahu Starlet, a young woman brutally murdered, has sparked outrage and led to widespread protests against sexual and gender-based violence in Kenya. Migwi highlights the lack of accountability for perpetrators of such crimes, emphasizing the urgent need for justice and protection for women.

Usikimye offers support and protection to survivors.

Kenya faces a silent epidemic of gender-based violence.

Over 11 million Kenyan women have experienced violence from intimate partners.

At least 500 women have lost their lives to gender-based violence.

Usikimye provides safe housing and counseling to survivors.

Widespread protests in Kenya demand justice for victims like Wahu Starlet.

Despite efforts by the government to address gender-based violence, challenges persist, including reports of dysfunctional police desks and corruption within law enforcement. Activists point to a culture of bribery and inadequate support for survivors as barriers to seeking justice.

Amidst the overwhelming caseload and systemic obstacles, Migwi finds solace in the success stories of women like Sheila Shiyonga, who was rescued from female genital mutilation and now leads a fulfilling life thanks to the support of organizations like Usikimye.

As Kenya grapples with the devastating impact of gender-based violence, advocates like Migwi remain steadfast in their commitment to empowering women, seeking justice, and creating a safer society for all.