UN report shows grim gender violence

One in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, a United Nation's report shows.

And now female crusaders are calling for prevention strategies that are holistic, alongside multiple interventions, in order to have long-lasting and permanent effects.

Kisii Governor's wife Elizabeth Ongwae said that it was time to galvanise action to end gender-based violence in Kenya.

She said the country should put in place an integrated approach to stem gender-based violence.

Speaking when she flagged off the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign at the Kisii University yesterday, Mrs Ongwae said it was time for all to join hands to make the fight a success.

"We need mobilisation of all communities to promote collective responsibility in the fight to eradicate this scourge in our communities," Mrs Ongwae said.

This year's theme is "Making education safe for all".

"Ending violence against women, men, youth and children is not a government responsibility but an issue that all of us have to take into consideration," she said.

Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof John Akama said the 16-day campaign seeks to highlight issues of racism, sexism and gender violence.

He called for the implementation of human rights obligations, including the right to health and reproductive information.

University head of gender studies Dr Callen Nyamwange called on Kenyans to address issues of child labour, which she said are considered gender-based violence.

Roselyn Nyakona, director of Health Care Rescue Centre, said that this year's new Sustainable Development agenda includes specific targets and indicators on ending violence against women.

The annual campaign that is co-ordinated by the Centre for Women's Global Leadership was initiated in 1991. It is currently supported by 5,478 organisations, policymakers, governments, UN agencies and countless individuals from over 180 countries.