Haki Africa’s Gender and children right officer Salma Hemed awarding women activist after successful three-day training, the women will become ambassadors of anti-gender-based violence campaign at the Coast. (Photo/Maxwell).
Men at the Coast have been encouraged to join Gender and children rights activists in the fight against gender-based violence at the Coast.
Gender and Children’s right officer from a human rights lobby Haki Africa Salma Hemed said that the fight would face many obstacles if men will not come out and assist the women in the fight.
Addressing anti-gender-based violence forum in Mombasa on Wednesday Salma said that men should take the lead in the fight since they have been mentioned as the main perpetrators of the problem in the region.
She said that the human rights lobby has been working with other non- governmental organizations in the region in creating awareness against the vice and men should get on board to make the fight successful.
“We have transversed the Coast region seeking an audience with various communities in a bid to contain the social problem and we call upon our men and youth to join the fight so that we all safeguard the Coast region against gender-based violence,” she said.
She said Kwale, Mombasa and Kilifi Counties were the most affected counties whereby the organization would receive a single case every day, however, she said that in Mombasa the organization can now register a single case in a week.
“However the figures are still worrying we need to revive it and ensure nothing is reported at all” she added.
She appealed to the Coastal Counties to come up with clear plans and programs to curb gender-based violence among local communities.
She said that though there are many laws and policies aimed at fighting gender-based violence cases in the country, the laws were ignored and those with money would not be charged before a court of law.
Salma appealed to police officers especially those manning gender desks never to relent but take stern action against all the perpetrators of gender-based violence among women and children.
Is there a newsworthy accident, incident or event happening in Mombasa County that you want Hivisasa to cover? Tell us what is happening by Joining this group, and have it published.* https://chat.whatsapp.com/5K1mGBnRVB46Mixhdh5caF