There is need for concerted effort in ensuring access to justice for marginalized women and girls in Nakuru County.
This was a call made during a review meeting for end of phase 1 implementation of project dubbed ‘A Make Way for Access to Justice for Marginalized Women and Girls in Nakuru County’.
The 2-year UNDP and European Union-Funded project is being implemented by Strengthening People’s Engagement and Advocacy in Kenya(SPEAK KENYA).
According to SPEAK KENYA Board Chairperson Patrick Wamiti, they are implementing the project in Bahati, Subukia, Naivasha, Gilgil and Nakuru East sub-counties of Nakuru County.
Speaking during the Year 1 Review Meeting, Wamiti noted that through collaboration and partnership, then many challenges facing marginalized women and girls in Nakuru County can be addressed.
“Even as we implement this project, key is that stakeholders are very crucial. We need also to start thinking on issues of climate change and environment and their impact on women and girls in Nakuru County,” he stated.
During the July 19, 2024 meeting in Gilgil that was attended by among others Community Paralegals, Children Officers, Probation Officers, Administrators and Media representatives, it emerged that Gender Based Violence, Sexual offenses and weak implementation of Gender Policies, lack of resources and information, poverty levels have continued to hinder women and girls from accessing justice.
In addition, cases touching on Child support, domestic violence, land were cited.
This, even as probation officers working closely with SPEAK KENYA noted that with proper sensitization through the project, then such cases will be a thing of past.
Senior Probation Officer Gerald Wanyama during interview on Friday July 19, 2024 in Gilgil.PHOTO/PRISTONE MAMBILI.
Senior Probation Officer Gerald Wanyama noted that awareness on the issue of Children Rights is key.
He was quick to point out that the sexual offenses laws are very clear when it comes to children moreso on defilement with Supreme Court having pronounced itself on the same.
Wanyama challenged society to protect children and ensure a safe environment for them.
He also pointed out that women and girls should not be intimidated whenever a sexual offense occurs, but rather they should be given a voice by all stakeholders so that justice can be served.
“When you defile a child of 11 years and below, you will serve a life sentence, 12-15 years you will serve not less than 20 years, and when you defile a 16 or 17 year old child you will serve 15 years,” he stated.
Monitoring and Evaluation Officer SPEAK KENYA Gladys Muigai during an interview on Friday July 19, 2024 in Gilgil.PHOTO/PRISTONE MAMBILI.
Sentiments echoed by Gladys Muigai who is in charge of Monitoring and Evaluation at SPEAK KENYA.
She noted that since the inception of the Project, they have been able to hold stakeholders meetings, community paralegals’ trainings, Advocacy in schools, community grassroot engagement Forums through art and dialogue.
Other activities carried out during the first year of the project implementation include capacity building for Judiciary stakeholders, intercultural events, media Advocacy, dissemination of Legal aid materials.
Meanwhile, in the first year of implementation, the project has been able to see the establishment of Haki Clubs in 5 Schools.
Ms Muigai says this will help enlighten girls on their rights and ensure girls who are sexually abused can access justice.
According to her, they are working closely with guilding and counseling teachers in the schools to ensure the Haki Clubs meet the goals and visions.
“We are engaging the guiding and counseling teachers to ensure sustainability of the Clubs that are towards ensuring every girl knows her rights,” she said.
She adds as they commence year 2 of implementing the project as from August 2024 to July 2025, they will continue reaching more through sensitization, social media awareness, as well as community Forums towards ensuring access to justice for women and girls in Nakuru County.