Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Oching Owili has called for the promotion of positive masculinity as a key solution to ending gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya and across Africa.
Speaking during a youth-focused conference in Nairobi that brought together participants from seven African countries, Owili underscored the urgency of addressing GBV, which he described as a global crisis with particularly high prevalence in Kenya.“We need to make our country and the spaces where women live safe,” said the Deputy Governor. “Many victims of GBV are women and children, and unfortunately, most perpetrators are men. It’s time to inculcate a culture of positive masculinity among our youth.”
The forum, which included student leaders, policymakers, and civil society actors, aimed to create collaborative approaches to ending GBV, both offline and online. Owili stressed the importance of engaging young people in honest conversations about their role in creating safer communities for women and girls.“If young people can change at this level, then we can be certain of a safer society in the future,” he noted.
Owili further emphasized the critical role of government institutions—county assemblies, Parliament, and the Senate—in enacting relevant laws and regulations to tackle GBV.
He urged for the creation and implementation of policy frameworks that address both traditional and emerging forms of violence.In a move to address online abuse, the Deputy Governor also highlighted the launch of a new study on cyber threats targeting young people.
He called the study a valuable tool for government and non-state actors in formulating responsive measures to protect youth in the digital space.“As county governments, which are directly in charge of gender and social services, we must stand in the gap to protect children and women. We cannot remain silent on this shameful matter of gender-based violence,” he added.
The conference continues over the next two days, with sessions focusing on legislative action, youth empowerment, and digital safety.
