Finding cause best bet in drive to end gender-based violence

The truism life is sacrosanct has never been in doubt, yet rising cases of femicide negate it. According to data from “Counting Dead Women Kenya”, at least 25 women were murdered between January 2, 2019 and February 25, 2019. The “Embrace Women Group”, comprising female parliamentarians, picking from documented cases highlighted by the media, points out that between January and May 2019, 40 women have been murdered. The sad reality is that these figures could be much higher. There are many cases within counties, away from media attention, that have not been reported.

There being no justification for taking another human being’s life, this trend must be reversed by whatever means possible. Indeed, saddened and alarmed by the rate of killings, women parliamentarians have launched the “Her life matters” campaign. Kenyans of goodwill should take the campaign seriously and drive it with a zeal that reflects our values for life as a God-fearing society. A sustained campaign against gender-based violence will complement other efforts by “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign that is held annually between November 25 and December 10.