LAUNCH OF GENDER STATISTICS FOR EVIDENCE-BASED POLICIES BOOK

LAUNCH OF GENDER STATISTICS FOR EVIDENCE-BASED POLICIES BOOK

On 10th July, 2021, the Ministry in partnership with the University of Nairobi and various stakeholders launched a Gender Statistics for Evidence-Based book by University of Nairobi.

The book highlights key findings and policy recommendations on women’s health, Gender Based Violence and women economic empowerment. The data provides an analysis of reporting of sexual violence among female survivors in Kenya and media framing of intimate partner femicide in mainstream print media in Kenya.

Speaking during the launch, State Department for Gender Director for Policy and Research, Ms. Verity Mganga, noted that gender data is a bedrock of evidence-based decision making without which policy makers and government would be unable to create informed policies.

UN Women Country Representative, Ms. Anna Mutavati, highlighted the role of UN Women in implementing the women count programme that seeks to support the implementation and monitoring of gender-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through promoting the development of an enabling framework for better production and use of gender statistics.

University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama, discussed a holistic approach to gender data. Prof. Kiama’s speech was read on his behalf by Prof. Enos Njeru, Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

“The role of gender data and statistics is very important in formulating the manual for policy, we have all the stake holders in this room for a holistic approach, we cannot talk about women empowerment without empowering the men,” he said.

The study established that there is need for policy relevance towards enhancing access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services among women and girls; having an enabling environment within the SRH service providers centers which will act as a driver in pulling women and girls to seek the services.

It was recommended that rescue centers be established in all counties to encourage reporting from the survivors.

By Catherine Kamau

Mopsyga

Leave a Reply