Stakeholders call for coordinated action as GBV cases escalate in North Rift

Stakeholders are now calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the increasing cases of Gender-Based Violence, (GBV) in the North Rift region.

Led by Tirop Angels Director Joan Chelimo, the stakeholders described GBV as outdated and unacceptable, noting that many athletes in the region have admitted to having experienced the abuse.

“Gender-Based Violence is an outdated and unacceptable practice. It is worrying that many athletes have openly admitted to undergoing such experiences,” said Chelimo.

She revealed that her organization has developed measures aimed at curbing GBV and expressed hope that the initiatives would be adopted across all 20 training camps in the region.

“We have put in place measures to curb this vice, and our hope is that they will be embraced in all the 20 camps within the North Rift,” she stated.

Chelimo called for joint efforts among stakeholders to tackle the problem, warning rogue coaches and other individuals against preying on innocent boys and girls.

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“We need concerted efforts to end GBV, and I want to warn rogue coaches and anyone else taking advantage of innocent boys and girls that this behavior will not be tolerated,” she cautioned.

European Union Representative to Kenya Henriette Geiger also condemned the vice, saying the European Union has taken deliberate steps to address GBV in the country.

“Gender-Based Violence is a serious concern, and the European Union has put in place measures aimed at tackling this vice,” said Geiger.

She noted that the EU has been working closely with the Kenyan government for many years, adding that some progress has already been recorded.

“We have partnered with the government for a long time, and while progress has been made, there is still more that needs to be done,” Geiger added.

Girls from the region, some of whom have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), shared their experiences and highlighted the harmful effects of the practice, calling for collective action to eradicate it.

“FGM has devastating effects on our lives, and only through joint efforts can this harmful practice be eliminated,” said one of the girls.

Stakeholders have urged communities, government agencies and development partners to intensify efforts to combat GBV and related harmful practices in the North Rift region.