The scourge of Gender-based violence in Kenya

The stripping and sexual abuse of a woman by matatu conductors in Kenya has sparked outrage and demonstrated that gender inequality is still a serious issue in Kenya.  The incident was captured on camera by a bystander and showed a group of three men publicly stripping a woman naked because of the way she was dressed. As the woman begged and pleaded, the men and onlookers did not help, but watched as the men continued taunting and humiliating her.

This is not the first such occurrence in Kenya as other similar cases have been reported and even recorded. It is not uncommon for women to be flogged, verbally and physically abused and humiliated because of their attire and this not only happens in Kenya but in other African countries as well. These incidences not only demonstrate a brazen disrespect for women, but how far many countries, especially Kenya, are from achieving anything resembling gender equity let alone equality.

It is, however, encouraging to witness that this attack has not been taken lightly. The video has prompted anger, igniting debate on social media under the hashtag #mydressmychoice.  In addition, it is heartening that men and women are equally disgusted by the attack and have demonstrated in large numbers.