Groups call for full implementation of Laws on SGBV

Grace Agenda Founder Jackline Mutere address the press in Kisumu after meeting survivors of Sexual Gender Based Violence. With her is the Executive Director of Utu Wetu Trust Yvone Oyieke, Leah Aoko, Program associate Utu Wetu Trust and a Survivor of the 2007/08 Post election Violence{L}-Story and Photo By Dickson Odhiambo

March 2, 2024

Groups call for full implementation of Laws on SGBV

Various lobby Groups have called for the full implementation of law on Sexual and Gender Based Violence in the Country.

The three Groups namely Utu Wetu Trust, Grace Agenda and the Civil Societies Organizations {CSO}Network now want full implementation of the Sexual Offenses Act and the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act to ensure maximum impact in protecting survivors of violence.

Addressing the press in Kisumu after meeting survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence from Kisumu, Vihiga and Bungoma during a round table talk to build on the previous conversations leading up to the elections in 2022, and to reflect on state responsibility in protecting, preventing and responding to SGBV during conflict, the three Organization said  it is meaningful engage community members, including survivors, civil society actors, duty bearers, the media and to develop a concrete road map on how to engage the respective county governments towards protecting and responding to sexual violence.

Grace Agenda Founder Jackline Mutere says there is need to implement the Kinshasha declaration on the right to reparation and Co-Creation of Survivors and Victims of Conflict -related Sexual Gender Based Violence.

She says the Kinshasa Declaration is an urgent call for survivor-centered participation in the articulation, co-creation and evaluation of sexual and gendered-based conflict-related transformative reparations, and toward peace and justice for women, men and children.

“The document extensively outlines the right to reparation for survivors of conflict-related gender and sexual violence,” Mutere says.

The Executive Director of Utu Wetu Trust Yvone Oyieke calls upon on the various stakeholders to take immediate action to address the pressing needs of survivors of sexual violence.

“We call upon the media, community members, civil society organizations, and the government to take immediate action to address the pressing needs of survivors of sexual violence,” Oyieke says.

Civil Societies Organizations{CSO} Network Representative Betty Okero says Civil society organizations should collaborate, coordinate efforts, and advocate for policy reforms that prioritize survivor rights.

The three Lobby groups have asked the government to take swift action by expediting the compensation process, establishing friendly and adequate government led counseling services, and implementing comprehensive support systems.