Alcoholism and drug abuse are emerging as a major contributor to gender-based violence in Kisii County.
Joel Machuka, an advocacy officer from International Solidarity Foundation, says alcohol and drug abuse have broken families after suffering in silence for a long time.
International Solidarity Foundation is an NGO running a Muungano Gender Forum Programme held every month.
"As a way of mitigation, We have discovered that alcohol and drug abuse have highly contributed to gender violence. This has been on the rise especially in Kisii. As a foundation, we are running a Muungano gender forum to address and find possible solutions to this menace," he said on Wednesday in Kisii town.
"We bring together stakeholders who deal with gender based issues in Kisii and Nyamira, We come up with forums to discuss this issue. We come up with recommendations and forward to relevant Authorities," he added.
According to Machuka, it's upon every citizen to be responsible and he recommends that those addicted to alcoholism be introduced to rehabilitation centres.
"This is a problem that cuts across both male and female. Gender violence does not only affect women but also men. These are issues we can manage as a society. We have given recommendations that rehabilitation is key in addressing drug abuse and alcoholism," noted Machuka.
He recommended the setting up of engaging activities especially for youths citing that idleness is to blame for increased alcohol consumption and violence.
"Let us create more positive activities to our youths such as football tournaments. Because of idleness, our youths are finding alcohol a way of keeping them busy in meeting joints. Our local leaders should embrace this during holidays."
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