Kibabii University through the Directorate of Gender and Development Studies presented a delegation of staff and students to mark the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (2021) celebrations hosted in Kabuchai Constituency in Bungoma County.
The event held on Thursday 25th November 2021 was graced by the Chief Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs & Special Programmes Hon. Rachel Shebesh.
“As we embark on the planned activities to mark this important period, we are reminded once again, that violence against women is one of the most pervasive violation of human rights. GBV undermines the health, dignity, security, and autonomy of its victims,” she said.
According to the data presented by the Bungoma County Commissioner Mr. Samwel Kimiti, Bungoma County recorded the highest cases of teenage pregnancy, with 9,700 cases being recorded in 2020/2021. During the month of September and October 2021 alone, 37 such cases were recorded.
In her address, the County Women Representative for Bungoma Hon. Catherine Wambilianga reported on the strides being made to curb the cases. Through lobby groups and survivors of GBV, various initiatives have been set up to combat and completely deter such occurrences. A Rescue Centre has been built and operationalized as well as Women Champions have been appointed across all the 9 Sub Counties.
The event was also attended by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Gender, Ministry of Public Service and Gender Prof. Collette A. Suda, the Deputy Governor for Bungoma County Prof. Charles Ngome among other State Officers.
