In commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, partners including the National Gender and Equality Commission, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya, joined forces to launch a public awareness campaign designed to combat violence against women and girls within the public transport sector.
This nationwide initiative seeks to sensitize public transport stakeholders, encompassing drivers, conductors, boda boda riders, and commuters, on the prevention and response to various forms of violence prevalent in the public transport system, including physical violence, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and other violations that affect the dignity and well-being of especially women and girls.
The transport sector in Kenya has emerged as a prominent hotspot for gender-based violence. According to the 2021 Women and Public Transport in Nairobi study, 52% of women reported witnessing sexual harassment while using public transport, with 27.9% personally experiencing such harassment. Ms. Mari Kato, Senior Representative of JICA Kenya, emphasized that harassment, assault, and intimidation should find no place in our transport systems. "I want each one of us to try to imagine your daughters, sisters, mothers or loved ones being harassed when commuting. A safe commute is everyone’s right, so let us be the ones to ensure, and sensitize others on the importance of the safety of our daughters, mothers and our loved ones."
Dr. Joyce Mwikali Mutinda, PhD, EBS Chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission, urged greater participation of women in the transport sector and emphasized the importance of gender-responsive policies and procedures in the sector. She called upon all stakeholders to recognize the transformative role that men and boys can play in eliminating GBV and promoting gender equality in Kenya.
The collaborative campaign, scheduled to run from 25th November to 10th December, will leverage key public transport organizations, including the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya and NaMATA, to enhance the capacity of public transport operators in supporting survivors of gender-based violence to access assistance and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
UNFPA GBV/Gender Advisor Caroline Murgor decried the reality that a simple journey has the potential to become a source of fear and vulnerability for many. "The campaign launched today is a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between the government, transportation authorities, law enforcement, and the general public to effectively prevent and respond to violence in the public transport system," noted Ms. Murgor.
