STAKEHOLDERS HOLD FORUM TO DISCUSS WAYS OF ENDING GENDER BASED VIOLENCE CASES

A multi-sectoral team comprising of players from Government and Non-Governmental entities Friday morning convened at the Kakamega County Health Services offices – Kenafya, to look into issues affecting the County with respect to violence against women, children, girls, boys and men.

According to a study submitted to Kenya Health Information System by the Health facility data, Kakamega County is one of the leading counties in Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases with Matungu, Lugari and Ikolomani recording high GBV cases.

In his opening remarks during the meeting, the County Director of Medical Services Dr. John Otieno called on stakeholders to come up with a proper work plan that will fast-track completion of essential policies being spearheaded by the relevant Government departments.

The policies include; sexual GBV policy, Gender mainstreaming policy, Children’s policy and the Youths policy.

The County Coordinator for Prevention and Response to GBV Madam Rose Muhanda observed that the committee will also come up with Terms of Reference to guide on implementation of activities.

“I appeal on partners and any other willing partner to support completion of the policies which are key in the implementation of related programmes,” she said.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Levi Juma from Youth Alive, an AMREF funded organization which sponsored today’s forum. Other stakeholders present included; representatives from the National and County Governments, the Judiciary, Kenya Police, People With Disabilities (PWDs), Faith Based Organisations, Civil Societies among others.