Nakuru-based MIDRIFT Human Rights Network has launched a study report on “Understanding Root Cause of Gender Based Violence in Nairobi-Kenya” supported by Kenya Human Rights Commission.
The report details the experiences of survivors of Gender-Based Violence in the informal settlements of Mathare, Kibera , Dandora and Mukuru in Nairobi County.
The study aims to unravel the complex interplay of socio-economic, cultural, and structural factors contributing to Gender Based Violence within informal settlements, Understand the root causes of Gender Based Violence in Nairobi’s informal settlements and identify strategies to lower its prevalence, Design Evidence-based Programs and replication of best practices by MIDRIFT HURINET.
It also aims to increase community awareness on the need to transform attitudes and beliefs that normalize the perpetration of GBV, Provide recommendations to Police, Judiciary and other actors mandated to prevent and respond to GBV in the informal settlements of Nairobi.
It should be noted that this is the second study report on GBV with an earlier study focusing on Kaptembwa ,Bondeni, and Karagita informal settlements of Nakuru Town West, Nakuru Town East, and Naivasha Sub Counties of Nakuru County respectively.
Some of the recommendations include:
1. Advocacy for implementation of existing laws and policies on gender-based violence.
2. Streamlining the documentation system
3. Create awareness of laws and policies on GBV in the informal settlements
4. Mindset Shift on beliefs, attitudes & norms on GBV.
5. Promote access to Mental Health Services for survivors: toll-free services, CHPs.
6. Support efforts by actors involved in ending violence i.e police gender desks, rescue centers, shelters for survivors, court registry to track child predators
According to Executive Director MIDRIFT HURINET, the study is key and MIDRIFT HURINET intends to use the study to Partner with different stakeholders to implement the recommendations, advocate and lobby in addressing systemic challenges in GBV, and Implement programs on Prevention and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services intervention in Nairobi County which will inform policy development and recommendations for future research.
