At least 45% of women in Kenya in the 15-49 age bracket have experienced physical or sexual violence carried out by an intimate partner at least once in their lifetime (DHS, 2014). To mark the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, UNFPA partnered with the county government of Elgeyo Marakwet, Athletics Kenya, and Thriving Families Kenya to hold gender-based violence sensitization workshops for athletes in four training camps located in the county.
The training culminated in a road race event held in honor of 10km world record holder and promising young female athlete, Agnes Tirop, who died at her home in Elgeyo Marakwet County, following an incident of domestic violence. Her death laid it bare once again that gender-based violence (GBV) persists within society, as previously confirmed by a spike in reported cases of violence against women and girls at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 10km and 5km ending GBV road race attracted 780 athletes and community members who turned up in support of the cause.
As national stars respected within their communities, the athletes committed to champion the elimination of gender-based violence within the athletics community and the wider society. Winners of the 10km and 5km road races in both the men and women’s categories were awarded cash prizes at a ceremony attended by the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) in the Ministry of Public Service, Gender, Senior Citizens Affairs and Special Programmes, Dr. Linah Jebii Kilimo, Elgeyo Marakwet County Governor, Alex Tolgos, and UNFPA Country Representative, Dr. Demola Olajide.
A total of 439 elite athletes and 41 veteran athletes were reached through the workshops held at the athletics camps. The workshop sessions aimed at sensitizing athletes and the wider community on GBV prevention and response as well as reporting and referral procedures in seeking support for survivors of GBV and harmful practices such as FGM and child marriage. This included information on available GBV hotlines and linkages to service points.Reporting and referral pathways were highlighted to athletes and community members to ensure immediate support for survivors of GBV and harmful practices such as FGM and child marriage. This included information on available GBV hotlines and linkages to service points.
