{"id":522,"date":"2025-12-06T19:52:29","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T19:52:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/?p=522"},"modified":"2025-12-06T19:52:29","modified_gmt":"2025-12-06T19:52:29","slug":"men-speak-out-a-powerful-dialogue-on-gbv-during-the-16-days-of-activism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/2025\/12\/06\/men-speak-out-a-powerful-dialogue-on-gbv-during-the-16-days-of-activism\/","title":{"rendered":"Men Speak Out: A Powerful Dialogue on GBV During the 16 Days of Activism"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Engage Boda Boda Riders?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Boda boda riders are key influencers<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baridi Kwa Baridi deliberately chose to engage them because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

    This engagement reframes them from being seen as part of the problem to becoming part of the solution<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

    A Safe Space for Men to Share and Learn<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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<\/strong>, often suffered unknowingly due to stigma, silence and limited awareness of what constitutes GBV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The session created an environment where men could:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Recognize different forms of abuse<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Reflect on harmful cultural norms<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Understand their role in preventing violence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Learn how to support survivors including themselves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Learning About Justice, Rights and the Law<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      A representative from the Chief Magistrate\u2019s Office<\/strong> and the Probation Department<\/strong> enlightened participants on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • The legal consequences of sexual offences, including defilement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Jail terms associated with different crimes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • How to access justice and support systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • The importance of reporting cases early<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        This knowledge empowered the men to better support survivors in their families and communities and to protect themselves when abused<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Understanding GBV and Promoting Healthy Relationships<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Mary Makhokha<\/strong>, Director of REEP, delivered a powerful session on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • The various forms of GBV<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Root causes of intimate partner violence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Positive communication in relationships<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • How men can prevent cycles of violence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Her session reaffirmed that Busia County\u2019s GBV rates remain higher than the national average<\/strong>, underscoring the urgency to involve men and adopt a multi-stakeholder approach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Health Awareness for Men<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Officials from the County Department of Health<\/strong> ,Sub county Public health officer and Madam Saray Matayos sub county GBV focal person emphasized the importance of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Regular HIV testing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • STI screening and treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Supporting partners\u2019 reproductive health<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Understanding the link between GBV and health risks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            They urged men to prioritize their health as part of responsible masculinity<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Economic Pressures and Violence<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            One of the strongest lessons from the dialogue was that financial stress contributes significantly to GBV<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The Youth Director<\/strong>, Madam Sarah, outlined government opportunities such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • NYOTA Program<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Youth Enterprise Development Fund<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              These are designed to empower young men economically, reduce stress and prevent violence linked to financial pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Positive Masculinity and Community Leadership<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              The Office of the County Commissioner<\/strong>, represented by the DCC\u2014Busia Subcounty<\/strong>, encouraged men to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Be role models in their homes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Shift harmful perceptions about women<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Monitor their children\u2019s wellbeing and friends.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Support development-driven initiatives in the county<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • He reminded participants that peaceful homes contribute to peaceful communities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Challenges<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                • Cultural norms<\/strong> still discourage men from acknowledging vulnerability or reporting abuse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Limited resources<\/strong> hinder follow-up mentorship and male-focused programs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Deep-rooted stereotypes<\/strong> around gender roles continue to fuel harmful attitudes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Short campaign timelines<\/strong> cannot fully address community-wide behavior change.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Sustainability and Way Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  To ensure long-term impact, Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO plans to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

                    Stakeholders Present<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                    • Baridi Kwa Baridi Women CBO<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Office of the County Commissioner (DCC \u2013 Busia Subcounty)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Chief Magistrate\u2019s Office<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Probation Office<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Department of Health<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Director \u2013 REEP (Mary Makhokha)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • County Youth Directorate (Madam Sarah)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Police representation \u2013 Officer Moses Mangeni<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • CSOs: REEP, GAP Kenya, CEDC, Ibracare Initiative, Jiajiri<\/strong>,JEWELS<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Boda Boda Community (Mundika)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Local administration and community members<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Appreciation to Our Donors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      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 .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Your support enabled us to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • Reach key influencers in the community<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Provide accurate information, legal awareness and health education<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Create safe spaces for open dialogue<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Strengthen multi-sector collaboration<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Amplify the message of the 16 Days of Activism<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        Your continued partnership is helping build a safer, more just Busia County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                        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? […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":534,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"saved_in_kubio":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-522","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/522","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=522"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/522\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":572,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/522\/revisions\/572"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/534"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=522"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=522"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/baridiwomen.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=522"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}