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Deadline: 31 October 2024.
One of the main challenges in fighting GBV here in Kenya is the patriarchal society that we have. We came across male resistance when it comes to the fight against gender-based violence because it challenges the culture of Africa.
Jeremiah is a 21-year-old Science student and O3 Plus Champion at Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). He belongs to a group of youth activists taking the lead in changing this narrative.
Despite progress, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a pressing issue in African societies, and university campuses are no exception. Jeremiah, Diana, and Marvin are three friends who have joined UNESCO’s , an initiative aimed at creating safer environments for students across universities in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Diana Nekesa, a Campus Me Too Movement Leader who recently joined the Safer Campuses Campaign, says she felt the urge to take action, as she heard stories of GBV in closed friends' groups.
I have heard the stories of people who have been violated, and I want to be part of the change.
Empowering Youth to Drive Change
Marvin Okelo, a 21-year-old radiology student, began his activism as a campus student representative during his freshman year. Many victims of GBV would come to him seeking help and advice. However, the lack of support mechanisms inspired him to take a leadership role in preventing these incidents from happening. He explains that one of the biggest difficulties students face is speaking out.
Most of the challenges we face are getting victims to come forward and share their stories so that they can be helped. But the Safer Campuses project has encouraged people to come out in large numbers without fear, now that they know their rights.
Yet, the problem has deeper roots: victim-shaming and the culture of silence surrounding GBV on campuses. Many students believe that the reluctance to report incidents stems from a lack of punishment for perpetrators and the fear of victim-shaming. Diana Nekesa, a Campus Me Too Movement Leader who recently joined the Safer Campuses Campaign, believes that victim-shaming and lack of accountability prevent women from speaking out:
We have a lot of challenges, starting with accountability. Many people are not held accountable for violating our girls or students. When you report a case, the first question asked is how you were dressed or what you were doing at a certain place.
In addition to cultural resistance, the lack of financial resources often prevents survivors from seeking justice. Perpetrators, if wealthy, may bribe their way to freedom, leaving victims without recourse.
This is also a financial issue. Many people can’t afford legal help, and perpetrators with money often bribe their way out of trouble.
Concrete Solutions: Wellness Centre and Gender Desk
UNESCO’s O3 Plus Safer Campuses programme has mobilized thousands of young people across the region, but the programme's impact extends beyond that.
As part of its commitment to student safety, the Safer Campuses programme has introduced critical support structures at universities. The KMTC Students’ Wellness Centre and gender desk, launched through UNESCO's initiative, provide safe spaces for counseling, therapy, and reporting GBV incidents.
The gender desk plays a crucial role in eliminating barriers to reporting, ensuring survivors have the necessary support and resources to seek justice. Additionally, the wellness centre, located near the student clinic, offers mental health services and group therapy to promote overall well-being.
Having a gender desk at your institution is important because when a case is reported, you have a support team to help you seek justice. Otherwise, you don’t know where to start.
The programme is just one of the many initiatives under UNESCO’s O3 Plus umbrella, which aims to address a range of issues, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, drug use, and mental health on campuses across Africa.
According to a survey conducted by about 45% of women in sub-Saharan Africa experience some form of GBV during their lifetime, with many incidents occurring in educational institutions. In Kenya, 39% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical or sexual violence, according to a 2022 report of. These alarming numbers underscore the urgency of the Safer Campuses programme, which seeks to eliminate GBV and create environments where every student feels safe and supported.
Youth as Agents of Change
The impact of UNESCO’s Safer Campuses programme is already being felt, as students like Jeremiah, Marvin, and Diana take ownership of the fight against GBV. Through advocacy, education, and support mechanisms, young people are transforming university campuses into safer, more inclusive spaces.
This project has immensely helped in educating people and encouraging them to stand up for their rights and become agents of change in their communities.
