From Kisumu
As part of the United Nations’ ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence’ campaign, the humanist section in Kisumu organised a community participation event in Hera Mosiko on 2 December. This year’s theme, ‘United to end digital violence against women and girls,’ emphasised the urgent need to address both physical and online forms of violence, especially those directed at women, girls, and vulnerable members of the community.
The event brought together widows, teenagers, young mothers, carers, young people, survivors of gender-based violence, male allies, and humanists. It aimed to raise awareness, inspire action, and promote the humanist values of dignity, equality, empathy, and rational decision-making within the community.
The activity combined interactive debates, cultural activities, sports, wellness exercises, and community dialogues to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all participants.
Among the messages that formed part of the testimonies and exchanges, the one expressed by the humanist activists resonated strongly. They emphasised the principles of dignity, equity, empathy, and non-violence, while illustrating strategies to prevent gender-based violence within families and communities. They also referred to the importance of taking firm action against violence in digital environments.
Among the partner organisations present were Manyatta Youth Resource Centre, Petals, Heart to Heart Smiles, Tuungane Women Group, Risen Flames Network, Arise, Lake Belt Green Civic Champions CBO, YWLI, as well as representatives from the Kisumu district government.
Some recommendations for the future that emerged from the event, which was highly valued by participants and organisers, were to continue with activities aimed at widows, young mothers and adolescents. The inclusion of male figures to contribute significantly to ending gender-based violence was highlighted.
Likewise, the need to raise awareness about the widows’ bill to protect them from all forms of violence and to involve young mothers in programmes against gender-based violence to equip them with the necessary tools to respond effectively was emphasised.
Finally, emphasis was placed on implementing empowerment programmes for adolescents and strengthening digital literacy and awareness of online safety.
The activity concluded with a commitment to continue collaborative efforts between the various organisations and the humanist collective to achieve sustained action.
From Tana River
In a similar sense, from Tana River County on the east coast of the country, where a project to build a Park for Humanist Study and Reflection is underway, the human rights collective Combined Voice Now made its voice heard:
“In the 16 days of activism we are experiencing, we face the interrelated challenges of technology, cybercrime and gender-based violence. Our commitment is to leverage digital platforms as powerful tools to eradicate gender-based violence and counter cyber threats. Through empowered legal advocacy and collective action, we stand firm. Remember, justice is not just a concept, it is our shield and unwavering defender in this crucial fight.”
From Uasin Gishu, Eldoret
For their part, humanists in Uasin Gishu County, Eldoret, launched various activities as part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
‘We have the power to create change by uniting our voices so that every woman, girl, teenager, or adult can enjoy a life free from violence’ was one of the central messages. Another demand that was put forward was to strengthen the rights of survivors of gender-based violence through access to justice.
There was an unequivocal reference to the imperative of mutual consent in sexual relations. A poster read ‘NO means NO.’ ‘Stop means NO.’ ‘I’m tired’ means NO. ‘Not now’ means NO. ‘I’m not sure’ means NO. ‘I’m not ready’ means NO. NO does not mean ‘Convince me.’ If it’s not a YES, it’s not a consensual relationship.
Also of great significance was the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is observed on 3 December at the request of the United Nations. This year’s theme is ‘Building inclusive societies with persons with disabilities for social progress’.
Virtual discussion: Protecting women and girls on the internet
As part of the activities planned by the World Humanist Forum’s Gender Violence Committee, a virtual discussion entitled ‘United against digital violence: protecting women and girls on the internet’ will be held on 6 December.
To address the urgent issue of digital safety, participants will first be invited to share their experiences of online harassment, either personally or through acquaintances, and to give their opinion on which digital platforms pose the greatest risk to women and girls.
After an exchange on examples of how digital violence affects people, the activity aims to illustrate effective safety measures, with comments on attitudes to adopt and prevention advice for friends and colleagues when faced with harmful content.
The script provides clarification on the possible support from the community or close friends to prevent digital violence, while also raising proposals for policies or programmes to be implemented by schools, youth groups and organisations. The collective reflection will also focus on how digital platforms can be used to generate positivity rather than harm.
Finally, participants will be encouraged to share the knowledge gained in the session with others and to think about what kind of actions they are committed to carrying out in their respective communities.