Confronting the Femicide Epidemic

In recent years, femicide—a term that underscores the killing of women and girls due to their gender has become a pressing issue in Kenya. The country has seen an alarming rise in cases of gender-based violence (GBV), culminating in the tragic deaths of women at the hands of intimate partners, family members, or strangers. The statistics are chilling: in 2023 alone, Kenya saw a significant spike in femicide cases, mirroring a global trend where intimate partner or family-related killings claimed the lives of over 45,000 women worldwide. This means, on average, five women were killed every hour globally in 2023​.

As of 2024, the situation remains dire. Reports highlight an increase in femicide cases linked to strained relationships, financial dependency, and societal pressures, compounded by cultural and systemic challenges. The fact that only a fraction of these cases are reported, investigated, or prosecuted adds another layer of complexity to the fight against femicide.

Behind every statistic is a story. Stories of women whose lives were brutally cut short and families left grappling with grief and unanswered questions. Goretti Ondola’s story is one such example. After enduring years of abuse rooted in cultural norms and familial expectations, she found solace and justice through the efforts of grassroots human rights defenders. Her case, though resolved, is a stark reminder of the systemic barriers women face in seeking justice, including police inaction and societal stigmatization​

But why is Femicide on the Rise?

Experts point to deeply entrenched gender norms, economic disparities, and inadequate legal protections as key drivers of femicide in Kenya. For many women, economic dependency on their partners or families traps them in cycles of abuse, making escape nearly impossible. During periods of political unrest, such as elections, the rates of GBV and femicide spike, fueled by heightened tensions and a lack of accountability.

Prevention Ni Must

Preventing femicide requires collective effort and systemic change:

• Empower survivors to speak out by creating safe spaces and ensuring access to legal and psychological support. Grassroots organizations like the Nyando Social Justice Centre have proven to be lifelines for many women.
• Raising awareness about the value of gender equality and the devastating impact of femicide can shift harmful cultural norms.
• Laws addressing GBV and femicide must be enforced rigorously. Perpetrators should face swift and just consequences to deter future crimes.
• Improved data collection on femicide and GBV can help policymakers understand the scope of the problem and allocate resources effectively.

Let’s Team Up!

The rising cases of femicide in Kenya cannot be ignored. Each life lost is a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done to protect women and girls. Let’s not wait for another tragedy to act. Share these stories, challenge the status quo, and demand justice because every life matters.