Parents in the South Rift region have been urged to take the lead in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by actively educating and sensitising their children against the vice.
Human rights activist Mary Serem noted that children are highly impressionable and often emulate the behaviour of their parents.
She expressed concern that some parents are themselves perpetrators of GBV, thereby setting a harmful example for the younger generation.
“Some parents are themselves perpetrators of GBV, thereby setting a harmful example for the younger generation. This is very wrong,” Serem said.
Speaking during a sensitisation forum in Kericho town, Serem encouraged victims of GBV to speak out to receive the necessary support and protection.
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She pointed out that many victims who ended up seriously injured or killed had earlier faced threats but chose to remain silent.
“Gender-based violence affects people of all genders. We must work together—parents, communities, and institutions—to eradicate this menace,” she said.
Serem, who was accompanied by other human rights defenders, also called for the establishment of rescue centres in every sub-county to offer safe havens and services for GBV survivors.
Her remarks come amid rising concerns over increasing GBV cases in the region, with many victims reportedly opting for out-of-court settlements—a trend human rights defenders say undermines efforts to deliver justice and deter future abuse.
By Kimutai Langat
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