State Department for Gender co-hosts a GBV Scientific Conference with State Department for Health

State Department for Gender co-hosts a GBV Scientific Conference with State Department for Health

In partnership with the Ministry of Health, we are co-hosting a Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Scientific Conference at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi. The objective of the conference which will run from 8th to 10th June is to strengthen multi-sectoral prevention and response against Gender-Based Violence in Kenya.


Principal Secretary for State Department for Gender, Prof. Collette Suda who attended the opening ceremony yesterday, noted that the conference was timely as Kenya marks the first anniversary since H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta made twelve commitments and launched a road map on advancing gender equality and the elimination of all forms of Gender-Based Violence and Female Genital Mutilation by 2026 in Kenya.


“In June 2021, Kenya participated in the Generation Equality Forum in Paris where H.E. President made 12 commitments that focus on strengthening accountability on enforcement and implementation of GBV laws and policies, increased financing and budgetary allocation for GBV programming, enhancing service delivery for survivors and strengthening utilisation of data among others,” she said.


Prof. Suda described the conference yesterday as an opportunity to commemorate the first anniversary and demonstrate the milestones achieved in translating the 12 commitments into action. Among the key achievements that she highlighted include the submission of GBV sub-indicators on implementation of laws for inclusion in the Performance Contracts of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for the financial year 2022/2023, the investment in GBV and FGM programming through financial and technical support from development partners and the establishment of a three-tier leadership structure which comprises the National Advisory Committee, the National Steering Committee and a Secretariat.

The scientific conference will explore the progress made and lessons learned over the COVID -19 pandemic period in closing GBV prevention and response gaps. It will provide an opportunity to showcase successes, to learn and create momentum for GBV prevention and response beyond mitigation.


The forum will document shared challenges and strengthen partnerships for a robust response, especially during humanitarian and conflict situations. It is expected that through the forum there will be enhanced preparedness for GBV prevention and response in Kenya during adversity including the upcoming electioneering period.


The Ministry of Health (MOH) is a first responder in mitigating the health-related effects of GBV while working within a multi-sectoral response. MOH is core in facilitating efficient referral pathways by maintaining linkages with other sectors. It also plays a critical role in changing community norms and attitudes through information, education and communication. MOH is also a credible source of data and information for policymaking and accountability.

Winnie Mburu

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