The march, a heartbreaking response to the brutal slayings of more than a dozen women, aimed to raise awareness, demand justice, and push for concrete measures to address the deep-rooted issues contributing to gender-based violence.
The demonstration, which started at Uhuru Park and wound its way through the heart of the city, brought together a variety of groups of activists, human rights advocates, and concerned citizens. Chanting slogans condemning gender-based violence and demanding action, the protesters carried banners adorned with messages such as “Stop the Silence, End the Violence,” and “Justice for Our Sisters.”
The rising femicide epidemic in Kenya has ignited widespread outcry and provoked a renewed urgency to address the deeply entrenched inequalities and violence faced by women. The organizers of the march emphasized that it was not just a call for justice for the victims but a broader demand for systemic change in attitudes, policies, and law enforcement practices that perpetuate gender-based violence.
Kenya, like many other nations, has struggled with the pervasive issue of femicide, where women are disproportionately targeted and victimized solely because of their gender. The recent spate of brutal murders has cast a harsh light on the failure of the justice system to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable.
The march featured impassioned speeches from activists, survivors, and community leaders, calling for an end to the culture of impunity that allows perpetrators to escape justice. Many speakers highlighted the need for comprehensive legal reforms, increased law enforcement sensitivity and responsiveness, and a shift in societal attitudes that perpetuate gender-based violence.
One of the march organizers, Amina Wanjiku, stressed the importance of unity in the face of this crisis. “We cannot allow our sisters, mothers, and daughters to continue to live in fear. It is time for us to unite as a society and demand change. We must stand together against femicide and create a safer, more equitable future for all women,” she proclaimed.
The government’s response to the crisis has come under scrutiny, with protesters demanding concrete actions and policy changes to protect women. Critics argue that a holistic approach, addressing both the root causes and immediate consequences of gender-based violence, is necessary to bring about lasting change.
As the march progressed, the crowd swelled with supporters joining in solidarity from all walks of life, including men who recognized the importance of standing alongside women in the fight against femicide. The atmosphere was charged with determination as the marchers vowed to continue their advocacy until meaningful and lasting change was achieved.
The Women and Feminists Against Femicide march in Nairobi has served as a powerful reminder that the fight against gender-based violence requires collective action, and the voices of those affected cannot be silenced. It is hoped that the momentum created by this protest will result in real reforms that will eventually make women in Kenya and everywhere safer.
