Walk the talk on violence against women, says Karua

By Susan Anyangu

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Martha Karua has challenged Kenyans to intensify the campaign against gender-based violence.

Ms Karua, on Wednesday, acknowledged that while Kenya has mechanisms to address the vice the country is far from being successful.

She said details of the Waki Report and other statistics indicate sexual violence is rife and needs due attention.

She proposes Kenyans embark on a massive campaign aimed at safeguarding the rights of women and girls.

Impunity

"We need to take the fight against gender violence a notch higher and start addressing the impunity that goes with it. Emphasis should be on protection and safeguarding the rights of women," she said.

Karua was speaking at a Nairobi hotel during the launch of a book, In the Shadow of Death, which is an account of stories from 24 women detailing their trauma and experiences during the post-election chaos.

African Woman and Child Feature Services has compiled the book

The Justice minister noted that despite the Sexual Offences Act, implementation has not been easy.

Act

Said she: "The Sexual Offences Act is one measure of protecting women. However, implementation has not been rosy. Considering how lightly we address sexual violence, it is time to walk the talk."

Karua also proposes an overhaul of the socialisation process.

"This campaign should begin at home and are socialise children to understand the different gender roles. If boys are brought up in families where women are treated with contempt, then you should expect them to grow into similar roles. This has to change," she said.

She also noted the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Act, which will create the Truth Commission, willprovide an avenue for redress for sexual violence.