Women and girls continue to bear the brunt of the worst drought experienced in Kenya for 40 years now, which has exacerbated their protection risks. This has led them to be exposed to different forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV) including sexual exploitation, harassment, and abuse, as well as intimate partner violence.
As the effects of climate change and conflict intensify in Kenya, women and girls’ risk for many protection concerns, including gender-based violence continue to increase.
“When men and boys are forced to move with livestock in pursuit of water, women and girls are left alone without the protection of their family. This puts them at risk of GBV, especially when having to travel long distances to collect water, firewood, and other necessary items for the household. We respond by training the community on GBV prevention, mitigation, and response. Decisive actions are needed across the board to address gender-based violence and inequalities in Kenya, including in drought-affected areas.”
We are working in providing essential health and nutrition services in Northern Kenya refugee camps to tens of thousands of refugees escaping conflict and natural disaster in Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and other neighbouring countries. We also provide support and care to women and girls who are victims of violence.