Kenya

Women in Kenya

Women at market

Violence against women in Kenya is widespread and results from certain cultural norms, traditions and stereotypes, as well as discrimination regarding women’s role in society.

Domestic violence, rape, Female Genital Mutilation, and human trafficking are endemic.
Female Genital Mutilation has been outlawed for women under 18 but the practice continues due to cultural and social pressures on women.
Victims of sexual violence have no support resulting in most cases going unreported.
Cultural attitudes that believe women incapable of leadership lead to the exclusion and discrimination of women in politics.

The Government of Kenya has made some steps promoting women’s rights, signing and ratifying international legislation. But such legislation has not been implemented at a national level.

Womankind’s work in Kenya

Building on our previous experience working in Kenya, Womankind is starting new work this year. We want to use the opportunities afforded by the new constitution to:

increase women’s participation,
reduce violence against women,
strengthen the women’s movement, and
increase the capacity of women’s organisations to influence policy and monitor the upholding of the new constitution and the rights it affords women in the country.

Our planned work in Kenya

Work in Kenya will focus around Womankind’s three strategic aims to:

End violence against women
Increase women’s participation and voice in decision-making
Increase resources for women’s rights and development.