MCA Nasra Nanda calls for civic education to end gender based violence
Nairobi County Assembly MCA Ms Nasra Nanda has called for civic education for the public on respect for women in society.
Her call comes amid a surge in violence against women that has dominated headlines in recent weeks.
In a statement, the MCA called on leaders including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa, and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris to speak out and accelerate action to protect the girl child from such violence.
“It is essential to advance civic education and awareness programs that challenge harmful gender stereotypes and take it upon ourselves, to encourage a culture of respect, and equality towards women,” Nasra said.
She also stressed the need for investigative bodies to act swiftly and hold the perpetrators of such crimes accountable, and for swift legal action to be taken against them.
The member also reiterated the need to address the root causes and consequences of gender-based violence and expressed her displeasure at the silence of CS Jumwa’s ministry and the governor on the recent heinous murder of women.
“I stand in solidarity with the victims of femicide and their families and urge everyone to actively take part in the fight against gender-based violence. It is only if we enable a nurturing society that values and respects the rights of all individuals.”
Her remarks come at the time when the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has expressed its deep concern over the alarming increase in cases of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAW/G), declaring femicide in Kenya a national disaster.
FIDA-Kenya raised concerns about the persistent failure of the state to protect women and girls from VAW/G, particularly in private spaces where the perpetrators are often familiar to the victims.
“It is extremely saddening that in the last year, 10 cases of femicide have been reported in the media. Many more cases remain unreported,” FIDA said.
Opposition Leader Mr Raila Odinga has also raised concern over the death of women through domestic violence and called for authorities to investigate and apprehend the culprits.
The recent murder of Instagram model Starlet Wahu in an Airbnb apartment in Nairobi’s South B area, and the murder of a 20-year-old woman in an Airbnb in Roysambu have left the country in shock.
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