Gender-Based Violence has unfortunatley become a common story on the news, in conversations and from activists online. However, creating awareness is just but the first step of the fight.

Kenya’s fight against GBV is built on six pillars. Each pillar tackles a different part of the problem. Together they create a roadmap for a safer country.

Pillar 1: Accountability

People in power must answer for their actions. This pillar holds leaders responsible for enforcing GBV laws. It tracks whether government money for GBV programs is actually spent correctly. It demands transparency.

Without accountability laws are just words on paper. This pillar makes sure someone is watching.

Pillar 2: Prevention

Stopping violence before it starts is better than responding after. Prevention means teaching young people about consent and healthy relationships. It means challenging harmful gender norms that say men should be aggressive and women should be obedient. It means training teachers, religious leaders and community elders to recognize warning signs.

The best GBV response is the one that never has to happen.

Pillar 3: Justice

When violence happens survivors deserve justice. This pillar focuses on making the legal system work for survivors not against them.

That means police who take reports seriously. Courts that process cases quickly. Laws that punish abusers. And protection for survivors who fear retaliation.

Right now many survivors drop their cases because the process is too slow or too painful. This pillar aims to fix that.

Pillar 4: Response

Justice takes time. But survivors need help immediately. The response pillar ensures that when someone reports GBV they get medical care counseling and legal support right away.

This includes post-rape care at health facilities. Emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. HIV prevention medication. And psychosocial support to help survivors cope.

The national helpline 1195 is part of this pillar. One call connects you to help within hours not weeks.

Pillar 5: Economic Empowerment

Many survivors stay in abusive relationships because they cannot afford to leave. They depend on the abuser for rent, food, school fees or transport.

Economic empowerment gives survivors financial independence. This means job training. Education support. Access to loans. And help finding safe housing.

When a survivor can support themselves they can choose to leave. Not because someone told them to. Because they have the means to do it safely.

Pillar 6: Research

You cannot fix what you do not understand. The research pillar collects data on GBV. How often does it happen? Who is most at risk? Where do survivors go for help? What programs actually work?

This data guides every other pillar. Without research efforts are scattered and ineffective. With research they are targeted and evidence-based.