A non-governmental organization that
advocates for African women in Germany is saying that rates of gender violence
are accelerating in both Kenya and the general Diaspora. According
to Kenya-based news outlet Capitol News,
the activists are concerned that more women are “suffering in silence due to
the stigmatization,” and the result is only exacerbated by the lack of
accessible legal support. The group is
attempting to remedy this situation by arranging to open legal help centers in
Kenya for these women.
The article also offered a perspective on one
of the many negative results of an experience with violence – the mental health
complications. German representative Lars Wilke announced at a conference on
the subject that some women are more prone to stress-related illnesses
following a violent incident, like high blood pressure. During the conference,
titled “Impact of Violence on Women’s Health”, she continued to implore the
attendees to use the revelation of this upward trend as a call to action,
commenting that “it is imperative that the police and medical practitioners
have the know-how to take care of the victims and get them the much-needed
help. Furthermore engaging boys and men in the training is to be considered in
the prevention of the acts of violence.”
Incidences of violence toward women are not
only accelerating in Kenya, but in many countries known for equally poor
treatment of women. According to a report from the World Health Organization
earlier this year, Africa is first among all other regions of the world in lifetime
prevalence of intimate partner violence/non-partner sexual violence among women
15 years and older (The
Guardian, June 20). Also, seven of the top ten countries “where the risk of
sexual violence in conflict was highest” are in Africa.
To read the full World Health Organization
report click here.
Contributed by Sabrina Willard
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