This Mother's Day, create safe spaces for women to speak out on SGBV

Families must foster trust so that mothers and daughters alike feel safe to share their experiences. [Courtesy]

As Mother’s Day approaches, society turns its attention to celebrating women honoring their strength, resilience, and the vital role they play in families and communities. Yet behind the flowers, messages, and public praise lies a difficult truth that cannot be ignored: many women, including mothers, are silently carrying the burden of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). While we celebrate them as pillars of strength, too often we fail to provide the one thing they need most a safe and supportive environment where they can speak openly about their experiences without fear of being judged, blamed, or victimised.

In Kenya, SGBV remains a harsh reality for many women across different social and economic backgrounds. Despite increased awareness and legal frameworks meant to address the issue, countless survivors remain silent. This silence is not a sign of weakness; it is often a form of protection. Women fear stigma, disbelief, retaliation, and in some cases, rejection by their own families and communities. For mothers, the situation is even more complex. Many choose silence to protect their children, maintain family stability, or avoid societal shame. In doing so, they carry deep emotional and psychological wounds alone, often with little to no support.