•A Call to Action for Parents and Society
Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary (PS) Ann Wang’ombe has made a passionate appeal to parents, urging them to take an active role in shaping their children’s values as a means to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving ceremony at Ngaru Girls High School in Kirinyaga, the PS underscored the critical role of parenting in fostering confidence and resilience in young girls, enabIing them to stand against all forms of violence and discrimination.
The Rising Concern of GBV and Femicide
Wang’ombe expressed deep concern over the alarming rate at which GBV, particularly femicide, has claimed the lives of many girls and women.
She stressed the importance of empowering young girls with the confidence to speak out and assert themselves in the face of danger.
“Let’s continuously speak to our girls so that they can learn to have confidence in themselves. They need to know that their voices matter. We must raise girls who are courageous, girls who can say ‘no’ and have that ‘no’ respected,” she advised.
The PS noted that most femicide cases stem from intimate relationships—between spouses, romantic partners, or acquaintances.
This, she said, highlights the urgent need for early intervention through education, mentorship, and parental guidance to prevent such tragedies.
A Warning to Parents: Vigilance is Key
Addressing parents directly, Wang’ombe cautioned against blind trust in relatives, neighbors, or even close family members when it comes to their daughters’ safety.
“Let us take care of our young girls. I do not want you to trust that uncle of that child. I do not want you to trust that brother of yours. I do not want you to trust your neighbor with your baby girl,” she warned.
She stressed that parents must always be aware of their children’s whereabouts and the company they keep, as many GBV cases arise from people known to the victims.
A Collective Responsibility: Government and Society Must Work Together
While acknowledging the government’s commitment to tackling GBV, Wang’ombe emphasized that this is not a fight that the state can win alone.
She called for a multi-stakeholder approach, urging parents, religious institutions, schools, and development partners to unite in combating gender-based violence.
“This is not a battle that the government can fight alone. It is a societal problem. Let us all come together—churches, parents, schools, development partners—everybody. Let’s fight this battle together,” she implored.
Beyond Girls: Recognizing the Plight of Boys and Men
The PS was quick to clarify that GBV is not just about girls and women but also affects boys and men.
However, she pointed out that global statistics still show that girls remain disproportionately disadvantaged, necessitating targeted programs to uplift them.
Empowering Girls Through Education
Encouraging the students of Ngaru Girls High School to embrace education as a tool for transformation, Wang’ombe urged them to work hard and prepare for the challenges ahead.
“Your education is not just about textbooks and exams; it is about preparing yourselves to navigate the world and make a difference. I believe in each one of you and I am excited to see the incredible contributions you will make in this society,” she stated.
The school’s recent academic performance was commendable, with 55 students qualifying for university placement in the last KCSE results—a testament to the institution’s dedication to academic excellence
PS Wang’ombe’s call to action serves as a stark reminder that ending gender-based violence starts at home, with parents playing a central role in shaping their children’s values, confidence, and safety.
While government policies and interventions are vital, community involvement and collective responsibility remain the most effective tools in the fight against GBV.
By fostering awareness, education, and vigilance, society can work towards a future free from gender-based violence.
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