Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO was privileged to attend the County Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Technical Working Group meeting held at the Busia County Referral Hospital. It was chaired by the Assistant County Commissioner Madam Jackline on behalf of the county commissioner. The meeting brought together key stakeholders including probation officers, gender desk officers, medical social workers across the 8 sub-counties, relevant CSOs and clergy.
The main agenda was to review progress in ending GBV in our county. Reports shared by different departments highlighted notable successes, including an increase in self-referrals, showing that more community members are aware of GBV and are speaking up.
However, several challenges persist:
- Harmful cultural practices that normalize child abuse especially disco matanga and ‘bash’
- Inadequate medical supplies and only one rescue centre which is struggling with limited human resources
- Survivors seeking medical assistance after 72 hours have elapsed exposing them to life threatening illness/conditions.
- Perpetrators issuing threats to victims
- Delay in justice delivery
- Rising cases of incest, alongside drug and alcohol abuse
- Survivors not returning for hospital follow-ups
To address these issues, stakeholders made key recommendations:
- Strengthening referral frameworks and collaboration among partners
- Establishing GBV case management at ward level
- Empowering men to serve as male champions in the fight against GBV
Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO remains committed to working alongside stakeholders to build safer communities where survivors are supported, perpetrators are held accountable and GBV is eliminated.
Special thanks to USAID Dumisha Afya for facilitating the meeting.
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