Femicide is the most extreme form of violence against women and girls. It is a global issue that is driven by gendered discrimination, harmful stereotypes and gender inequality. In the face of systemic failings, women’s rights defenders and organisations, and feminist movements are courageously paving the way for a safer world for women and girls in all their diversities. They are pivotal in bringing about the changes needed to end femicide. In recognition of this, Womankind focused its 2023 16 Days of Activism Campaign on creating awareness and provoking critically needed debate on how to address femicide. Womankind published a report, ‘An Overview of Femicide: what it is, why it happens and how to end it’ and released a video explainer across all of our platforms. We worked to engage women’s rights organisations and feminist movements, women and girls aged between 20 – 50 in the most affected states, decision makers, journalists and the media. A campaign toolkit with key advocacy messages was also shared with partners for use during the campaign.
Growing the global feminist body of knowledge on femicide
Beyond the campaign, and in solidarity and sisterhood with Kenyan feminists, organisations and movements, Womankind contributed to mobilisation efforts and took part in the #EndFemicide march that brought together thousands of individuals nationally in January 2024. The country-wide marches were a call for accountability from government agencies and a demand for an end to stop the alarming rate of femicide in Kenya whilst demanding justice for victims.
Womankind also provided flexible funds through Her Voice Fund to our grantees Young Women’s Leadership Institute (YWLI) and Femicide Count Kenya for their work on the campaign. YWLI’s efforts focused on continued policy advocacy with government stakeholders in their capacity as #EndFemicide campaign co-chair, engagement at CSW68, planning for the 16 Days 2024. YWLI is also creating spaces for mental and emotional support for young feminists and activists leading the #EndFemicide movement. Femicide Count Kenya is utilising its grant for strategic advocacy in Kenya, within the African Union and internationally. Together with like-minded allies, they are calling for amendments to Kenya’s Penal Code so that femicide is explicitly recognised as a violation whilst fostering collaboration to raise awareness and share data on femicide as part of global solidarity.
Supporting women's movements to change the world
