Murang’a Men Suffer in Silence: Alarming GBV Rates Unveiled
A staggering survey by the National Council for Population Development (NCPD) has revealed that one in every two men in Murang’a County is a victim of gender-based violence (GBV). Conducted in 2022, the survey indicated that 48 percent of men in the county have experienced GBV, a figure that highlights a growing crisis.
Equally concerning, the survey also found that seven percent of women in Murang’a have been victims of GBV. These figures have positioned the county as second nationally for the highest rates of gender-based violence at 52 percent, raising alarm among stakeholders and activists.
Lucy Kimondo, the Director for Public Education and Advocacy at NCPD, emphasized that many men suffer in silence, often not reporting their abuse due to stigma. “The stigmatization towards men who are abused by their spouses remains the biggest challenge in addressing the matter,” Kimondo stated during a recent stakeholders’ forum in Murang’a.
Kimondo called for a shift in the narrative around GBV to include men, who are often overlooked. “We have given so much focus on women who are abused by their partners and forget men who are undergoing the same in silence,” she remarked.
To address the issue, Kimondo proposed making gender desks more accessible and friendly to men. She noted that the fear of being ridiculed prevents many men from reporting their abuse. “Very few men will go to report if they are abused, for fear of being made a laughing stock in society,” she said. “We need to have a sober discussion on this issue and make it clear that gender-based violence affects both women and men.”
James Wachira, chairman of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya in Murang’a, highlighted the role of the church in combating GBV. He pointed to alcoholism and drug abuse as significant factors contributing to violence against men. “Men have indulged themselves in alcoholism, which affects their health and their ability to carry out their duties, making them vulnerable,” Wachira explained.
Wachira called for a broader discussion on family issues to address the root causes of GBV. “We need to have this debate and address the issues in families to see if it would help end this trend,” he added.
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Murang’a Men Suffer in Silence: Alarming GBV Rates Unveiled
