By Rachael Ngumi

The Gender Equity and Protection Office, in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services (CRS Kenya), marked the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on November 25. The event was aligned with the international theme: ‘Recommitment, Accountability, Resourcing Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,’ emphasizing advocacy and awareness initiatives to combat GBV and empower women and girls.

Students from various universities, colleges, and CRS Kenya scholars under the Wezesha Vijana Project came together to discuss strategies for addressing GBV and all forms of harassment in tertiary institutions, focusing on youth-led approaches. Participants included learners from USIU-Africa, KCA University, Embakasi Vocational Training Center, Kibondeni College of Catering and Hospitality Management, and other TVETs within the Wezesha Vijana-CRS Kenya Project-Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship sector.

The campaign addressed crucial issues faced by both female and male students in tertiary institutions, noting that GBV compromises the learning environment. Discussions highlighted the importance of empowering students in digital spaces, addressing prevention and response measures, digital identity, and the impact of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).

The discussions were led by Mr. Robert Mgeni, Head of Programs & Ag. Country Representative at CRS Kenya; Ms. Irene Mwangi, Sector Lead, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship at CRS Kenya; Ms. Maureen Otieno, Technical Advisor for Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion at CRS Kenya; Dr. Victor Boiyo, DVC of Student Life at USIU-Africa; and Ms. Racheal Ngumi, Principal Officer for Gender Equity and Protection at USIU-Africa.

The panelists included Mr. Kingsley Lutali, Managing Director at Crime Shield Security Ltd.; Denis Katana, USIU-Africa Electoral College Chair; Faith Valerie Akinyi, Founder of NAAM Org (USIU Africa Student); Christopher Mwamburi, Mathare Vocational Training Centre; Sylvia Murauri, Waithaka Vocational Training Centre; Mark Maluki, Youth Advisory Group Chair, Nairobi County (Wezesha Vijana); Imani Naitore, USIU-Africa HeforShe Club Vice-Chair; and Zia Stocker, USIU-Africa HeforShe Club Chair.