Men Speak Out: A Powerful Dialogue on GBV During the 16 Days of Activism

As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO held a powerful community engagement forum in Mundika, bringing together men from the boda boda sector and other stakeholders to reflect on their role in ending GBV and building safer, more supportive communities.

Why Engage Boda Boda Riders?

Boda boda riders are key influencers in our community.
They interact daily with women, girls, men and families, making them central players in shaping community norms and ensuring safety. Unfortunately, they have often been associated with negative narratives around harassment, unsafe transport, or risky behaviors.

Baridi Kwa Baridi deliberately chose to engage them because:

They hold significant social power and visibility
Their daily interactions allow them to spread positive messages quickly
They can serve as early warning agents when they witness violence or exploitation
Transforming their behavior and perceptions has a large ripple effect
They can become role models and male champions in their stages and neighborhoods

This engagement reframes them from being seen as part of the problem to becoming part of the solution.

The day began with a vibrant procession led by a marching band and boda boda riders wearing customized reflectors and banner across Mundika Market.
This increased visibility and showed the community that men are willing to stand publicly for a GBV-free Busia.

A Safe Space for Men to Share and Learn

For the first time in our campaign activities, men were given a safe, respectful and non-judgmental platform to speak about their own experiences ,many of which are rarely acknowledged in public spaces.
Participants shared instances of emotional and financial abuse, often suffered unknowingly due to stigma, silence and limited awareness of what constitutes GBV.

The session created an environment where men could:

Recognize different forms of abuse
Reflect on harmful cultural norms
Understand their role in preventing violence
Learn how to support survivors including themselves

Learning About Justice, Rights and the Law

A representative from the Chief Magistrate’s Office and the Probation Department enlightened participants on:

The legal consequences of sexual offences, including defilement
Jail terms associated with different crimes
How to access justice and support systems
The importance of reporting cases early

This knowledge empowered the men to better support survivors in their families and communities and to protect themselves when abused

Understanding GBV and Promoting Healthy Relationships

Mary Makhokha, Director of REEP, delivered a powerful session on:

The various forms of GBV
Root causes of intimate partner violence
Positive communication in relationships
How men can prevent cycles of violence

Her session reaffirmed that Busia County’s GBV rates remain higher than the national average, underscoring the urgency to involve men and adopt a multi-stakeholder approach

Health Awareness for Men

Officials from the County Department of Health ,Sub county Public health officer and Madam Saray Matayos sub county GBV focal person emphasized the importance of:

Regular HIV testing
STI screening and treatment
Supporting partners’ reproductive health
Understanding the link between GBV and health risks

They urged men to prioritize their health as part of responsible masculinity

Economic Pressures and Violence

One of the strongest lessons from the dialogue was that financial stress contributes significantly to GBV.

The Youth Director, Madam Sarah, outlined government opportunities such as:

NYOTA Program
Youth Enterprise Development Fund

These are designed to empower young men economically, reduce stress and prevent violence linked to financial pressure.

Positive Masculinity and Community Leadership

The Office of the County Commissioner, represented by the DCC—Busia Subcounty, encouraged men to:

Be role models in their homes
Shift harmful perceptions about women
Monitor their children’s wellbeing and friends.
Support development-driven initiatives in the county
He reminded participants that peaceful homes contribute to peaceful communities

Challenges

Cultural norms still discourage men from acknowledging vulnerability or reporting abuse.
Limited resources hinder follow-up mentorship and male-focused programs.
Deep-rooted stereotypes around gender roles continue to fuel harmful attitudes.
Short campaign timelines cannot fully address community-wide behavior change.

Sustainability and Way Forward

To ensure long-term impact, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO plans to:

Strengthen male champion networks to continue advocacy throughout .
Integrate GBV awareness into ongoing community forums, youth dialogues and training programs.
Collaborate with local leaders, schools and the justice system to enhance protection, reporting and accountability.
Expand psychosocial support for all survivors including men and boys
Advocate for continuous investment in prevention, community education and policy implementation.
Strengthening Referral Pathways Better linkages between communities and justice/health systems.
Economic Empowerment Linkages for Youth Connecting men to NYOTA, YEDF, and other youth programs.
Follow-Up and Monitoring Tracking progress, behavior change, and community impact.

Stakeholders Present

Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO
Office of the County Commissioner (DCC – Busia Subcounty)
Chief Magistrate’s Office
Probation Office
Department of Health
Director – REEP (Mary Makhokha)
County Youth Directorate (Madam Sarah)
Police representation – Officer Moses Mangeni
CSOs: REEP, GAP Kenya, CEDC, Ibracare Initiative, Jiajiri,JEWELS
Boda Boda Community (Mundika)
Local administration and community members

Appreciation to Our Donors

Special thanks to our donors who made this event a success, Women In International Security and Horn Of Africa (WIIS-HOA) and Sisters Without Borders .

Your support enabled us to: