16 days of Activism against Gender – Based Violence is a key international movement to call for an end to Violence against Women and Girls. It runs from 25th November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10th December (Human Rights Day).
In culmination of the end of the GBV movement, a breakfast event was hosted by the British Council, with an insightful Alumni UK led Panel holding a Discussion on Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). It brought to light issues such as online stalking, cyber bullying, doxing, trolling, extortion, deep fakes, shallow fakes, etc and the need for safer digital spaces. It was reported that 45% of women in Kenya have gone through technology facilitated GBV, which is a very high statistic!
It was also highlighted that Australia is the first country in the world to pass a law banning children under the age of 16 years from creating an account on social media platforms. The ban which will be effected in 12 months time, could see tech companies fined upto 50m Australian dollars if they don’t comply. Is this the way to go or should there be more investment in protective laws? Definately worth keeping an eye on how matters progress in Australia.
There are many causes of GBV. Closer to the issues we focus on at Endo Sisters EA Foundation, issues of menstrual disorders resulting in infertility, heavy bleeding painful intercourse and menses has contributed to Intimate partner violence.
The good news though is that in Kenya, there are GBV helplines, specifically the National helplines are 1195 for GBV, 1190 is a Counselling helpline, 116 is a helpline for children in abusive households. Safaricom also have the Ulinzi helpline for TFGBV no. 0709090090. DCI is also the registered office that deals with all matters GBV, so feel empowered!
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