Kenya has reiterated its strong commitment to gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) during a regional workshop held in Nairobi, drawing delegates from across Africa. The two-day event brought together youth advocates, government officials, civil society leaders, and international partners to advance efforts around positive masculinity, digital safety, and women’s empowerment.
The workshop was co-sponsored by the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and development partners, with key support from the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action. A government representative, speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary, emphasized Kenya’s integrated strategy on gender issues, including multiple Technical Working Groups and a Development Partners Technical Working Group co-chaired by the Chief Secretary.
A major focus of the gathering was the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, officially adopted in February 2025. Termed a landmark policy, the convention represents a critical step toward continent-wide gender justice and the protection of fundamental rights.
The Principal Secretary’s speech recognized the ongoing efforts by FAWE and its partners in promoting gender equality through education, empowerment, and awareness initiatives. “Addressing gender inequality in education and economic empowerment is key to realizing SDG 5,” the PS stated.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Matthew Oching Owilliam, who addressed youth delegates, emphasized the importance of positive masculinity in combating GBV. “Many victims of GBV are women and children, and most perpetrators are men,” he said. “We must instill a culture of respect and positive masculinity among our youth to secure a safer future.”
The Deputy Governor also highlighted the role of county governments and national legislative bodies in enacting policies that protect vulnerable groups. He called for stronger frameworks to address both physical and online forms of GBV.
The event featured the launch of the Girls and Young Women-led Assessment Report on Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSEA), presented by youth advocates Penny Ogembo and Bente Kabene. The report focuses on tech-facilitated gender-based violence and offers recommendations for enhancing digital safety for young people.
Deputy Governor Owilliam welcomed the report as a crucial tool for policy formulation, noting that cyber violence is an emerging threat that requires urgent intervention.
As discussions continue over the next two days, sessions will focus on legislative reform, youth empowerment, and digital safety strategies to ensure women and girls are protected in both physical and virtual spaces.