THE POWER OF NAMING AND STORYTELLING IN FIGHTING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE.

In a nation where gender-based violence scars remain hidden; a fierce debate rages: is it femicide or simply homicide? This crucial distinction holds immense power, shaping our understanding and response to an epidemic that devastates countless lives. Their voices urge us to confront femicide, inspiring a call for change and justice for all victims. These stories inspire a call for change, urging us to dismantle systems perpetuating gender-based violence and ensure justice for all victims.

While the topic of gender-based violence is becoming increasingly visible, its recognition as a developmental and public health issue remains a problematic conversation that stirs debates. Let us consider the debates stemming from the march against femicide earlier this year. Some people argue that it is homicide, while others label it femicide. The law itself contains language-related gaps. It is vital to recognize that structural inequalities affirm that the killing of women is femicide. It is not just about the name but also the reason behind it. There is significant power in naming. Not naming an issue is tantamount to ignoring its existence, and injustices thrive in such environments.

The normalization of gender-based violence has a significant impact on the lives of women and girls. Efforts to erase memories shift the focus from validation and respect for survivors to invalidation and disrespect. What continues to be visible are the increased cases. According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey, 34% of women in Kenya have experienced physical violence since the age of 15, and 13% of women reported experiencing sexual violence at some point in their lives.

While great efforts have been made by incredible activists such as Njeri Wa Mwigwi through the Usikimie Platform, FIDA Kenya, the Gender Violence Recovery Center, and Community-Based Organizations such as Community Voices Network, one difficult question remains: will future generations remember the past? How can these cases be used as advocacy for a just and equal society?

Consider the case of Rwanda. The 1994 genocide has become central to their identity and memory. This tragic event has motivated Rwandans to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. A similar approach can be applied to fighting against gender-based violence. We can draw important lessons from past atrocities to improve access to justice for survivors, provide mental health support, address cyberbullying, and tackle ignorance among stakeholders. These lessons should shape how we develop and implement current and future policies to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

The power lies in our stories. By telling our stories and being intentional in passing them over to future generations, we create a national memory that will help the country prosper. Violence against women does not only hurt women, but it threatens the existence of communities and economies. The government, through the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, the Ministry of Health, and that of Education, should support the agenda of incorporating stories of our past in Kenya’s curriculum. While efforts have been made to have the topic of gender-based violence taught in school, storytelling is a remarkable tool for narrative change.

The Maputo Protocol, also known as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, is one of the most comprehensive women’s human rights instruments. It addresses the context of African culture and needs. The protocol includes provisions for ending violence against women and girls. To abide by this protocol, African countries such as Kenya should value cultures and tools used by previous generations, one of the most powerful being story-telling.

The world has changed. Today, anyone can create content that can influence people. When sharing stories of past violence, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of training on the ethical principle of ‘do no harm.’ It is vital to remember that a person is a human first before they are a survivor, and so they should be treated with respect. Person-centred reporting conveys respect for the survivors and their families and recognizes their unique recovery journey and individual strengths.

To change the narrative of violence against women in Kenya, it is crucial to focus on the connections between past and present and to listen to the stories of those who have come before us with empathy. We should also acknowledge the progress made, such as the promulgation of the Constitution in 2010, which guarantees freedom from violence, and legal measures like the Sexual Offences Act of 2006. Linking the past, present, and future helps us connect with the emotions of the past, giving us purpose for our advocacy. We must be angry enough to challenge norms and stereotypes that violate and oppress women. Gender-based violence is not a problem for women but a societal problem that should be addressed, and memories of the past preserved for lessons to empower future generations.

Ritah Anindo Obonyo is the Co-founder of the Community Voices Network