Early Education On GBV Emphasized As Kenya Marks 16 Days Of Activism

By Isabella Maua

Children and teenagers have been warned against early sexual relationships that lead to early pregnancies and forced marriages.

Speaking to youths and teenagers during a session held by Kenya Red Cross Bungoma with support of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Finland at Kibundo in Mt. Elgon last week, Dr. Shikuku Kwenyi emphasised the need for children and teenagers to have knowledge on gender-based violence early in life.

“The knowledge we’re impacting on you today is key in helping you keep off sexual relationships at this tender age so as to curb rampant sexually transmitted infections, which is now becoming common among youths,” noted Dr. Kwenyi.

The youths were also encouraged to report any suspected cases of sexual harassment or offences in their vicinities.

According to one of the community health workers present, many youths are silently suffering from sexually transmitted infections but keep to themselves until it’s too late before they seek medical attention.

“It has come to our notice that many youths suffer due to peer pressure and lack of knowledge when it comes to matters of GBV; however, to avoid stigma, Red Cross Bungoma has come up to disseminate vital information among peers in the fight against this monster termed GBV,” she highlighted.

Poverty has also been rated among the key factors leading to the rise of lesbianism and sodomy.

“Many young girls and boys have been wooed into this vice using money, and it has negatively affected their lives,” observed Dr. Kwenyi.

He also warned the youths to be on the forefront in creating awareness of GBV in their areas of jurisdiction so as to cultivate the culture among themselves.
“Armed with this knowledge, be the ambassadors anywhere you are, at school, in campus, at church and even at home,” he challenged them.

The youths were also challenged to take education seriously and to not give up despite being mothers at their teenage age.

“Education is the only equaliser and the door to many opportunities, so keep studying even if you give birth while still a student,” Dr. Kwenyi concluded.