Call to Action: Confronting the Alarming Rise of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in Kenya – unesco.org

Report on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in Kenya: A Sustainable Development Goals Perspective

1.0 Executive Summary

This report synthesizes findings on the escalating crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in Kenya, framing the issue within the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The data presented underscores a significant challenge to the achievement of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The report outlines the statistical scale of the problem, policy responses, socio-cultural drivers, and strategic interventions required to address this human rights violation.

2.0 Statistical Overview and Alignment with SDG 5

The prevalence of femicide represents a critical failure in achieving SDG Target 5.2: “Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres.” Recent data highlights the severity of the situation:

• Femicide Cases Reported in 2024: 579
• Femicide Cases Reported in Q1 2025: 129

Ms. Louise Haxthausen, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, noted that these figures likely underrepresent the true scale of the crisis due to unreported or misclassified cases, complicating accurate monitoring of progress towards SDG 5.

3.0 National Policy Response and Institutional Frameworks (SDG 16)

In line with SDG 16, which calls for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions, Kenya has taken steps to formulate a national response. Dr. Nancy Barasa, Chair of the Presidential Task Force on GBV and Femicide, confirmed the finalization of a national report for presidential review. This development marks a critical institutional milestone aimed at shaping national policy and coordinating action to reduce all forms of violence, as stipulated in SDG Target 16.1.

4.0 Analysis of Socio-Cultural Drivers Impeding Gender Equality

A UN Women-commissioned study, “Social Analysis of Femicide in Kenya,” revealed deeply entrenched norms that perpetuate violence and hinder the realization of SDG 5. These findings demonstrate significant barriers to gender equality.

4.1 Key Findings of the Study

1. Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence: 40% of women in Kenya have experienced emotional, physical, or psychological violence from an intimate partner.
2. Normalization of Violence: 30% of women and 19% of men believe a husband is justified in beating his wife under certain circumstances, reflecting social norms that conflict with the principles of SDG 5.
3. Experience of Physical Violence: 34% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence.

These statistics indicate that harmful socio-cultural norms are a primary driver of violence, undermining efforts to ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership (SDG Target 5.5).

5.0 Strategic Interventions for SDG Advancement

5.1 Addressing Technology-Facilitated GBV

The emergence of technology-facilitated GBV (TFGBV), including AI-driven harassment and digital exploitation, presents a new frontier of violence that threatens women’s safety and participation in digital life. Addressing this requires a multi-faceted approach consistent with promoting safe and inclusive societies (SDG 16) and ensuring inclusive education (SDG 4). Key recommendations include:

• Promoting digital literacy and education on online safety.
• Developing ethical AI frameworks to prevent digital violence.
• Creating safer online spaces to protect women and girls.

5.2 The Role of Media and Creative Arts

The media is a crucial partner in challenging harmful norms and advancing SDG 5. Panelists emphasized the need for gender-sensitive reporting, survivor-centered narratives, and the use of creative arts to foster empathy and advocate for justice and social transformation.

5.3 Engaging Men and Boys for Gender Equality

Engaging men and boys is a critical strategy for achieving SDG 5. UNESCO’s Transforming MEN’talities Initiative was highlighted as a key program that works to dismantle toxic masculinity and promote gender-sensitive attitudes through education, community dialogue, and advocacy. This initiative directly contributes to creating a culture of respect and equality, which is foundational to sustainable development.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) due to its focus on gender-based violence, femicide, and the institutional response to these issues.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • This goal is central to the article. The entire discussion revolves around achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. The text highlights severe forms of gender-based discrimination and violence, such as femicide, intimate partner violence, and harmful socio-cultural norms that disproportionately affect women.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • This goal is relevant because the article discusses femicide, which is the most extreme form of violence and a direct violation of the right to life. It also refers to the institutional mechanisms being developed to address this crisis, such as the “Presidential Task Force on GBV and Femicide” and its national report, which aims to shape policy and promote justice for victims.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the specific issues discussed, the following targets are directly identifiable:

1. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres.
   • The article is fundamentally about this target. It explicitly details various forms of violence, including femicide (“579 femicide cases reported in 2024”), intimate partner violence (“40% of women in Kenya have experienced emotional, physical, or psychological intimate partner violence”), and technology-facilitated GBV (“AI-driven harassment, online stalking, and digital exploitation”).
2. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • This target is addressed through the focus on femicide, which is the intentional killing of women. The article quantifies these death rates by stating there were “579 femicide cases reported in 2024 and 129 in the first quarter of 2025 alone,” directly linking to the goal of reducing violent deaths.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress.

• Indicators for Target 5.2 (Eliminate violence against women and girls):
  • Prevalence of intimate partner violence: The statistic that “40% of women in Kenya have experienced emotional, physical, or psychological intimate partner violence” serves as a direct indicator (related to official Indicator 5.2.1).
  • Prevalence of physical violence: The finding that “34% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence” is another specific measure of violence against women (related to official Indicator 5.2.2).
  • Social acceptance of violence: The statistic that “30% of women and 19% of men believe a husband is justified in beating his wife under certain circumstances” is a powerful indicator of harmful social norms that perpetuate violence.
• Indicators for Target 16.1 (Reduce violence and related death rates):
  • Number of intentional homicides (femicide): The article provides precise figures that serve as a direct indicator of violent death rates: “579 femicide cases reported in 2024” and “129 in the first quarter of 2025.” This aligns with the official Indicator 16.1.1, which tracks victims of intentional homicide.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: unesco.org