By Rodgers Omondi, Busia
The principal Secretary for State Department For Gender and Affirmative Action Ann Wang’ombe has held a meeting with security team and gender sector stakeholders in Busia in an effort to curb the increased cases of gender-based violence.
Addressing the journalist after the meeting, the PS indicated that the county experiences many cases of GBV with many remaining un reported
“Last month we had 477 cases of GBV reported in Busia, that means we have many that were not reported. The month of July we had 316 that were reported. From the statistics, it shows that the cases are going high.” She said
Wang’ombe further noted the county is experiencing unique challenges that have contributed to gender-based violence.
“Busia county has its own interesting characteristics considering that it is a cross-border county, we have cross border dynamics. We have economic pressure and cultural norms that are deeply entrenched. These are the challenges that contribute to GBVS thereby being a need to address these issues while on ground.” She said
She said they have agreed to form a Multi-agency team that will be meeting on a monthly basis to review the action taken.
“The mandate of the taskforce will be reviewing what we have done on the strategies we have developed, how good we have implemented, and where there are gaps, we close them. The team has also revealed that the judiciary has been supportive in the fight against GBV.” She said.
The PS said more sensitization will be taken to all sub counties in the county to ensure many people have been equipped with the information as a way of helping to fight the increased cases in the county.
She lauded the country for having good policies and laws and called for the need of proper implementation of the policies.
“Unless we implement these laws and policies effectively, then we are doing nothing. This can be done at the county and the sub county level for us to ensure we have achieved this.”
She further issues a warning to the perpetrators that the government will be catching up with them and the law will take its course.
“Some of the perpetrators are relatives, that means we have lost it as a society. We also have cases where people don’t report because of fear of being mistreated by their family members. We are committed to ensure that Busia County becomes a modern county of not only preventing but giving the best response to GBV.” she said.
