NATIONAL COMMISSION ON GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT 1

GBV)Framework on Response and Prevention in Kenya Regina G. Mwatha (Ph.D)

The National Commission On Gender and Development Established the Gender Commission Under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development The object and purpose of the National Commission on Gender is the co-ordination, implementation and facilitation of gender mainstreaming in national development and to advise the Government on all aspects relating to Gender and Development Act No. 3 of 2003

In 2000, the Government of Kenya developed the National Gender and Development Policy which formed the framework for addressing several critical areas including The Economy Poverty and Sustainable Livelihoods Law Political Participation and Decision Making Education and Training Health and Population The Media Policy Implementation Framework and Resource Mobilization

Why the GBV Framework Many state and non-state actors working on prevention and response to gender based violence in Kenya. However, they lack the benefit of an overall guiding framework. Unclear and ineffective coordination mechanism among the different actors. The link between gender based violence, sex and HIV/AIDS is still not clear in programming and therefore the approaches applied may not be as effective as they ought to be.

Why the GBV Framework Collaboration between the government, development partners and civil society organizations in prevention and response to GBV should be organized in more cohesive and comprehensive strategies that will allow for more efficient use of resources The need to enhance the effectiveness of interventions. In response to this need

Why GBV Framework There is need for an aggressive and multi- dimensional approach in addressing GBV in Kenya. It should to be combated using different approaches and methodology simultaneously through; Prevention Physical and psychological support and care for survivors of gender based violence. Effective legal responses i.e. laws that deter or punish gender based violence perpetrators

Why GBV Framework Effective redress legal mechanisms among the law enforcement Awareness creation among citizens on their human rights and provisions that protect their rights Awareness creation among citizens on available redress mechanisms.

Kenya Vision The Kenyan government in 2008 unveiled a long term strategy for Kenyas social and economic growth christened Kenya Vision Vision 2030 is the new long-term development blueprint for the country. It is motivated by collective aspiration for a much better society than the one we have today, by the year The aim of Vision 2030 is to have a globally competitive and prosperous country with a high quality of life by 2030.

The Kenya Vision 2030 The Vision 2030 explicitly acknowledges that cases of GBV- cases of assault and battery, as well as rape and/or attempted rape, are on the increase. The Vision 2030 document lays out various strategies to reduce gender disparities and address vulnerabilities: These are: Reducing gender based violence Providing financial support to women to raise their incomes and reduce the gap in estimated earned incomes between men and women;

P HYSICAL OR S EXUAL V IOLENCE BY A GE 2008/09

E XPERIENCE OF P HYSICAL OR S EXUAL V IOLENCE BY G EOGRAPHICAL LOCATION IN 2008/09

W E WANT EVEN BETTER DATA GBV incidence report Naivasha Jan 2010.xls

For effective short and long-term protection from GBV for women and girls in Kenya, interventions must take place at four levels 1. Structural level (primary protection): preventative measures to ensure rights are recognized and protected (through international, statutory and traditional laws and policies); 2. Systemic level (secondary protection) : systems and strategies to monitor and respond when those rights are breached (statutory and traditional legal/ justice systems, health care systems, social welfare systems and community mechanisms); 3. Operative level (tertiary protection) : direct services to meet the needs of women and girls who have been abused. 4. Institutional strengthening to ensure coordination of all efforts and to guarantee sustainability of different approaches.

Areas Addressed by the GBV Framework Community Involvement Support Systems and Service (Capacity Building) Legislative and Policy Reform Institutional Strengthening

Community Involvement Established community structures that are GBV responsive from grassroots level Increased awareness on GBV prevention and response at the community and community-based institutions Strengthened Behavior change programs addressing GBV Increased male engagement/ participation in GBV prevention and response at community level Establish and strengthen networking and coordination of GBV prevention and response at community level by developing a coordination framework

Support Systems and Service (Capacity Building) Community members, including organized cultural structures and leadership, equipped with knowledge on human rights, gender equality, gender based violence and redress mechanisms Law enforcement agencies and health providers equipped with knowledge on human rights, gender equality, gender based violence and redress mechanisms Victim/survivors of gender based violence are empowered to speak out on the violations and demand their rights

Support Systems and Service (Capacity Building) One-stop facilities for gender based violence case management established across the nation, adequately equipped and made accessible to victims/survivors. Comprehensive referral structures/ mechanisms put in place. Gender based violence rescue shelters across the country established and operational. Perpetrator of gender based violence rehabilitated Rehabilitations programmes for perpetrators of gender based violence established and recognized by the Law

Legislative and Policy Reform Out law Customary practices that entrench and promote gender based violence. Specific legislation against gender based violence in line with international instruments such as CEDAW, CRC, African Charter, enacted Policies against any form of gender based violence in the workplace including all Government Ministries developed and implemented. The Family Protection Bill, Marriage, Bill, Matrimonial Property Bill, Equal Opportunities Bill, Counselors, Psychologists and Psychotherapists Bill republished.

Legislative and Policy Reform Free and accessible Legal advice to victims/ survivors of gender based violence. Engagement in the Constitutional Review Process to ensure enactment of an all encompassing Bill of Rights. Reviewed National guidelines for medical management of rape and sexual violence National guidelines for Psychosocial care of GBV survivors/victims developed Reviewed SOA, Gender related bills Removal of discriminatory sections with regards to citizenship, personal law etc.

I NSTITUTIONAL S TRENGTHENING National framework on GBV operationalized Research and generation of knowledge/ information for advocacy and evidence based planning conducted and disseminated. Mandate of key actors to deal with perpetrators of GBV expanded (policy or legal) Legal, health and psycho-social support mechanisms for survivors of GBV institutionalized.

I NSTITUTIONAL S TRENGTHENING Technical and Financial support provided to organizations dealing with specific issues of gender based violence Institutional management systems on GBV strengthened Kenya Police Forces capacity to respond to GBV enhanced

D EVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL ACTION PLAN -will enable planning for GBV related activities within government - will enable financing to be channelled to these activities

Thank you