GBV is Sabotaging Kenya’s Economy: Victims Too Traumatized to Work
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continues to pose a significant threat to Kenya’s social and economic stability.
According to a new report by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) revealed alarming statistics on the rising cases of GBV across the country and their impact on the economy.
Thousands of survivors, particularly women and girls, are left emotionally and physically wounded often unable to return to work or maintain livelihoods.
The economic implications of GBV are far-reaching. Survivors frequently suffer from trauma-related mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which interfere with their ability to function in professional and domestic environments.
In many instances, victims lose their jobs due to absenteeism or reduced productivity. In rural areas, women farmers the backbone of Kenya’s agricultural economy are often forced to abandon their land due to physical injuries or fear of further violence.
Additionally, GBV places a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Survivors require long-term medical attention, counseling, and rehabilitation, increasing public health expenditures. Employers also bear indirect costs through reduced efficiency, staff turnover, and rising healthcare insurance premiums.
Experts argue that addressing GBV is not just a moral obligation but also an economic necessity. “Every time a woman is beaten or raped, the economy suffers,” said Dr. Grace Wanjiku, a gender policy analyst. “We lose not only a worker but also an entire support system.”
As Kenya continues to strive toward economic growth and gender equality, stakeholders are calling for increased investment in GBV prevention, survivor support programs, and legal reforms to ensure justice. Only by confronting this crisis head-on can Kenya unlock the full potential of its citizens and economy.
About The Author
