As the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence kick off, this is a great time to talk about femicide. Held annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), these 16 days are a call to confront violence against women and girls in all its forms.
In Kenya, femicide has turned into a crisis, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights saying the killing of women by intimate partners has worsened. The National Police Service says 97 femicide cases have been reported in the last three months alone, underscoring the magnitude of the crisis.
According to a UN report, Africa has recorded the highest rates of intimate partner and family-related femicide last year, driven by an increase in killings in countries such as Kenya. The report by UN Women said globally, 85,000 women and girls were killed intentionally in 2023, and that 140 women and girls die every day at the hands of their partners or close relatives, which means one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes.
To truly understand femicide, we need to know what it is and what leads to it.
What is Femicide?
Femicide refers to the intentional killing of women or girls because of their gender. It is the most extreme form of gender-based violence and is rooted in systemic sexism, misogyny, and patriarchal norms. While homicide can affect any gender, femicide is distinct because it specifically targets women and girls due to their perceived lower status in society.
Kenya has seen a rise in cases of femicide, reflecting broader societal challenges such as entrenched patriarchy, weak legal protections, and normalized violence against women.
What are the Types of Femicide?
Intimate Partner Femicide: Murders committed by current or former romantic partners. Many femicide cases in Kenya stem from intimate partner violence. A high-profile case in 2019 involved Ivy Wangechi, a medical student at Moi University who was murdered in broad daylight by a man she had rejected. Her death sparked national outrage, exposing the lethal consequences of male entitlement and rejection
Non-Intimate Femicide: Killings perpetrated by someone without a close relationship to the victim, such as strangers or acquaintances.In rural and urban areas alike, women are often murdered in domestic settings. A 2020 study by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reported that nearly 47% of women aged 15-49 in Kenya had experienced physical or sexual violence, with many incidents escalating to murder.
Cultural or Honour Killings: Murders justified by “protecting family honour,” often linked to cultural or religious beliefs.
Targeted Killings: For example, deaths resulting from human trafficking, witch hunts, or femicide as a form of political violence.In some regions, women are targeted in ritual killings linked to cultural beliefs or land disputes. Elderly women in Kisii, for instance, have been accused of witchcraft and lynched, reflecting deeply rooted cultural stigmas.
What Fuels Femicide?
Femicide in Kenya is fueled by a complex interplay of societal, cultural, economic, and systemic factors. Some of the key contributors include:
Patriarchal Norms and Gender Inequality
Deep-rooted patriarchal structures perpetuate the idea that men have authority and control over women. Women’s autonomy, particularly in relationships, is often perceived as a threat to male dominance, leading to violence.
Cultural Practices
Harmful cultural norms, such as forced marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM), and bride price, commodify women and undermine their value as individuals.These practices normalize gender-based violence as a form of control or punishment.
Economic Inequality
High rates of unemployment and poverty create frustration and stress, particularly among men, who may feel emasculated when they cannot fulfill traditional provider roles. Financial dependence on men can trap women in abusive relationships.
Toxic Masculinity
Societal pressure for men to assert dominance and suppress vulnerability fosters toxic behaviors, including aggression and violence. Men who perceive rejection, infidelity, or independence from women as an affront to their masculinity may react violently.
Lack of Accountability
Weak enforcement of laws and widespread impunity for perpetrators of gender-based violence embolden offenders.Corruption and inefficiency in the justice system often discourage victims or their families from seeking justice.
Media Sensationalism
The sensationalism of femicide and gender-based violence cases in the media, without addressing underlying systemic issues, perpetuates a culture of violence.Some media portray women as responsible for violence against them, further entrenching victim-blaming attitudes.
How Do We Address Femicide in Kenya?
To make a change, we all need to do our part. Here is how we can address the femicide crisis.
Awareness and Education: Supporting campaigns to challenge harmful gender norms and educate communities on gender equality. Globally, follow #NoExcuse and for Kenya, #EndFemicideKe, as well as community education geared towards dismantling harmful stereotypes and promoting gender equality.
Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Improved enforcement of existing laws and harsher penalties for gender-based violence.
Economic Empowerment: Programs that support women’s financial independence and job opportunities.
Accessible Support Systems: More shelters, counseling services, and hotlines for survivors of abuse. Support initiatives like Usikimye.
Community Action: Encouraging community leaders and organizations to actively oppose gender-based violence.
Societal accountability: Holding abusers accountable and having a zero tolerance policy on gender-based violence and misogynistic attitudes.
Femicide in Kenya is a pressing human rights issue that demands urgent action. Addressing it requires a multifaceted approach, including legal reforms, public education, and cultural shifts to dismantle deeply ingrained patriarchal norms. Until then, women and girls in Kenya remain vulnerable to the ultimate act of gender-based violence. By understanding femicide and its causes, we can better advocate for systemic change to ensure a safer and more equitable society for all.
