Behind Bars, Not Behind Doors!

The recent, horrifying killing of Starlet Wahu, 26 year old and an unidentified 24-year-old woman who was found murdered in Roysambu is a clear reminder of the femicide crisis plaguing Kenya, where women are not safe.

Chilling statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reveal that over 81,000 women were internationally killed in 2021, with a staggering 56% murdered by intimate partners or family members. In Kenya, the situation is no less alarming. According to the National Crime Research Centre, a woman loses her life to an intimate partner or family member every 48 hours. The KDHS 2022 report shows that 28% of women aged 15- 49 who have ever had a husband or intimate partner have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence. This data echoes the Kenyan reality, where the majority of femicides are often fueled by a mix of harmful gender norms, unequal power dynamics, and impunity for perpetrators.

The Right to remain uncut

“Before my parents, before my family and before my village-I declare my right to remain uncut. To keep my body whole and free from tetanus infection and HIV. Free from harm, violence and pain so that girls like me across the world can remain in school. Be married when I want and be part of a new generation-That is born uncut and free to live unharmed.”

Broken System, Broken Lives: Kenya’s Failed Response to Femicide

Over the past couple of months there has been a disturbing surge in femicide cases in Kenya, with no end in sight. News reports are filled with stories of young women whose lives were tragically cut short.

Tupo. Tusikizwe Lobby GRB Paper 2021

A Proposal of Matuga Sub-County Community Members on Gender Responsive Budgeting
Presented to the County Government of Kwale on 02.02.2021

Advisory Opinion / Statement, the Shadow Pandemic.

To, Hon. Prof Margret Kobia Cabinet Secretary, Public Service, and Gender Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Chairperson, National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus Hon. Simon K. Chelugui, Cabinet Secretary for Labour, Social Security and Services Dr. Fred Okengo Matiang’i, Cabinet Secretary for Interior & Coordination of National Government Hon. David Maraga, Chief […]

FGM Tests a Violation of Girls’ Rights

The Coalition on Violence against Women (COVAW) strongly condemns the directive issued by the Narok County Commissioner George Natembeya on 03.01.2019 –’FGM TESTS A MUST, in the Daily Nation Newspaper.

Empowering Duty Bearers to effectively respond to rights of sexual violence survivors in Kisumu County

19 participants representing state and non-state actors met at Pinecone Hotel, Kisumu County for a two-day training workshop between 28th and 29th May, 2019. The workshop aimed at strengthening capacity of the participants to effectively respond to rights of sexual violence victims in Kisumu County.

Paralegal Training in Monarch Hotel, Nairobi

In the month of May, 2019, 30 paralegals from Nairobi, Kiambu and Narok Counties were trained on Human Rights and the Legal Framework on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The training also sought to equip them with knowledge on the Reporting Mechanism and […]

Vulnerabilities of Sexually Abused Women and Girls with Intellectual Disabilities in Nairobi, Kiambu and Narok Counties of Kenya

May 2019: 12-year-old Esther (not her real name) is special. She has limited capacity to mentally reason, learn or even solve simple problems. Esther is yet to undertake simple and practical everyday skills such as combing her hair. Esther suffers from intellectual disability. But what’s even more sad, is that, at a tender age of […]

COVAW Recommends 18 Years on Consensual Age for Sexual Activity in Kenya!

Based on a Criminal Case Ruling Appeal Number 102, 2016 where three court of Appeal Judges Kiage, Musinga and Nambuye reversed a 15-year sentence of young man who impregnated a 17-year-old girl, Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) is strongly opposed to the idea of reducing consensual age for sexual activity as proposed by the […]