Femicide and the Urgent Need for Policy Action
Protecting Women Alive in Kenya
In the heart of Nairobi, a young woman named Nafula (not her real name) walks home from work, clutching her phone tightly. She texts her friend, “I’m almost home, just checking in.” This simple act of vigilance is not paranoia; it is survival. Nafula’s fear is shared by millions of women across Kenya, where femicide—the intentional killing of women and girls because of their gender—has become a harrowing reality.
Women during a match against femicide in Nairobi, Source: Talk Africa
Kenya is grappling with a femicide crisis that has sparked national outrage and global concern. Between January 2016 and December 2024, over 930 cases of female murders were documented in Kenya, with 628 meeting the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's definition of femicide. Alarmingly, 2024 was identified as the worst year on record for such killings. In 77% of these cases, the perpetrators were known to the victims, often intimate partners or family members. Nairobi, Kiambu, and Nakuru counties reported the highest incidences, though underreporting and inconsistent data collection may obscure the full scope of the problem (Africa Data Hub).
But Kenya is not alone in this struggle. Africa, as a whole, records the highest rates of intimate partner and family-related femicides globally. In 2023, approximately 21,700 women and girls across the continent were killed by intimate partners or family members, equating to a rate of 2.9 victims per 100,000 females—the highest globally (UN Women). South Africa exemplifies this crisis, with femicide rates remaining alarmingly high. Between 2020 and 2021, the country reported 5.5 women killed by intimate partners per 100,000 women. Despite various interventions, intimate partner femicides accounted for 60.1% of all female homicides in 2020/21, highlighting the persistent nature of this violence (UN Women).
The question we must ask ourselves is: Why is this happening, and what can be done to stop it?
The Root Causes of Femicide in Kenya and Beyond
Femicide is not an isolated issue; it is a symptom of deeper societal ills. In Kenya, patriarchal norms, economic inequality, and a culture of impunity have created an environment where violence against women is normalized. Many perpetrators are emboldened by the knowledge that they are unlikely to face consequences. According to a 2022 report by Amnesty International, only 10% of gender-based violence cases in Kenya result in convictions.
Cultural practices, such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, further exacerbate the vulnerability of women and girls. In some communities, women are still viewed as property, and their lives are deemed less valuable than those of men. This toxic mindset is not unique to Kenya; it is a reflection of broader systemic issues across the continent.
Lessons from Other Continents: What Works?
While Africa faces a significant femicide challenge, other continents have implemented successful strategies that can serve as models for Kenya and the African Union (AU).
1. Latin America: Femicide Laws and Specialized Courts
Latin America has been a pioneer in addressing femicide through legal reforms. Countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil have enacted specific femicide laws, classifying it as a distinct crime with severe penalties. Argentina’s Femicide Law (2012) mandates life imprisonment for perpetrators and has led to increased convictions. Additionally, specialized gender-based violence courts have been established to expedite cases and provide survivors with access to justice (The Guardian).
2. Europe: Comprehensive Support Systems
Spain is often cited as a global leader in combating gender-based violence. The country’s Organic Act on Integrated Protection Measures against Gender Violence (2004) provides a holistic approach, including emergency hotlines, shelters, and economic support for survivors. Spain also employs gender-sensitive training for law enforcement and judiciary officials, ensuring that cases are handled with the necessary sensitivity and expertise (AP News).
3. North America: Data-Driven Policymaking
Canada has made significant strides in reducing femicide through data-driven policies. The Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability tracks femicide cases nationwide, providing policymakers with accurate data to inform interventions. Public awareness campaigns, such as the #CallItFemicide initiative, have also played a crucial role in shifting societal attitudes and holding perpetrators accountable (AP News).
Policy Recommendations for Kenya and the African Union
To address femicide, we need bold, inclusive policies that prioritize the safety and dignity of women and girls. Drawing from successful global examples, here are four actionable recommendations:
1. Strengthen Legal Frameworks and Enforcement Mechanisms
Kenya must enforce existing laws, such as the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act, with greater rigor. This includes establishing specialized gender-based violence courts, similar to those in Argentina, to expedite cases and ensure justice for victims. The AU should adopt a continental framework similar to the Maputo Protocol, which explicitly criminalizes femicide and mandates member states to allocate resources for its prevention.
2. Invest in Gender-Sensitive Education and Awareness Campaigns
Education is a powerful tool for change. Kenya’s Ministry of Education should integrate gender equality and anti-violence curricula into schools to challenge harmful stereotypes from an early age. Public awareness campaigns, led by grassroots organizations and supported by the government, can also shift societal attitudes and encourage communities to reject gender-based violence. Spain’s success in this area highlights the importance of sustained public engagement.
3. Establish Comprehensive Support Systems for Survivors
Many women stay in abusive relationships because they lack alternatives. Kenya should invest in safe houses, hotlines, and counseling services for survivors of gender-based violence, modeled after Spain’s comprehensive support systems. These initiatives should be funded through public-private partnerships and supported by AU member states to ensure sustainability.
4. Improve Data Collection and Research
Reliable data is crucial for informed policymaking. Kenya should establish a national femicide observatory, similar to Canada’s, to track cases and identify trends. The AU can facilitate the sharing of best practices among member states, promoting unified strategies to prevent femicide.
A Pan-African Approach to Ending Femicide
Femicide is not just a Kenyan issue; it is an African issue that demands a collective response. The AU must take a leadership role in coordinating efforts to combat gender-based violence across the continent. This includes creating a continental task force on femicide, sharing best practices, and holding member states accountable for their commitments to gender equality.
As we mourn the lives lost to femicide, let us also remember that change is possible. By working together—governments, civil society, and individuals—we can create a future where women and girls can walk the streets of Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos, and Cairo without fear.
Let us honor Nafula and countless others by taking action today.
Policy Recommendations Recap:
Strengthen legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.
Invest in gender-sensitive education and awareness campaigns.
Establish comprehensive support systems for survivors.
Improve data collection and research.
Sources:
- Africa Data Hub (2023), Femicide in Kenya: A Growing Crisis.
- UN Women (2023), Global Femicide Statistics.
- Amnesty International (2022), Justice Denied: Gender-Based Violence in Kenya.
- The Guardian (2023), How Latin America is Tackling Femicide.
- AP News (2023), Spain’s Holistic Approach to Gender-Based Violence.
- AP News (2023), Canada’s Data-Driven Fight Against Femicide.
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