By Eddah Waithaka
The Nakuru-based human rights network MIDRIFT, with support from the Kenya Human Rights Commission, has launched a research report on the root causes of gender-based violence in Nairobi, Kenya.
The report focuses on the first-hand accounts of survivors of gender-based violence in the informal settlements of Mathare, Kibera, Dandora and Mukuru in Nairobi County.
The study aims to unravel the complex interplay of socio-economic, cultural and structural factors that contribute to GBV in informal settlements, understand the root causes of GBV in Nairobi’s informal settlements and identify strategies to reduce its prevalence, design evidence-based programmes and replicate best practices through MIDRIFT HURINET.
The report also seeks to increase community understanding of the importance of changing attitudes and beliefs that condone GBV, and provides suggestions for the police, judiciary and other relevant parties responsible for combating and responding to GBV in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
It is important to highlight that this is the second research report conducted on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), following a previous study that concentrated on the informal settlements in Nakuru Town West, Nakuru Town East, and Naivasha Sub Counties of Nakuru County respectively.
Some of the recommendations include:
1. Advocacy for implementation of existing laws and policies on gender-based violence.
2. Streamlining the documentation system
3. Create awareness of laws and policies on GBV in the informal settlements
4. Mindset Shift on beliefs, attitudes & norms on GBV.
5.Promote access to Mental Health Services for survivors: toll-free services, CHPs.
6. Support efforts by actors involved in ending violence i.e police gender desks, rescue centers, shelters for survivors, court registry to track child predators.
The importance of the study is paramount, according to the Executive Director of MIDRIFT HURINET. MIDRIFT HURINET plans to leverage this study by working with various partners to implement the recommendations, actively advocate and lobby for the resolution of systemic barriers related to gender-based violence (GBV), and implement programmes focused on prevention as well as mental health and psychosocial support services in Nairobi County. These initiatives will provide valuable evidence to guide policy formulation and recommendations for future research.
