National Conference On Gender Based Violence 16th – 17th October 2019 

National Conference On Gender Based Violence 16th – 17th October 2019

BACKGROUND
Gender Based Violence is a complex and pervasive problem that not only violates human rights, but remains a challenge to public health, economic and social development. It cuts across borders and is perpetuated by various facets of life, community and society, both in humanitarian and development contexts.

Kenya has robust policies and laws that seek to prevent and respond to GBV and is also a signatory to international and regional human rights frameworks that aim to prevent and respond to GBV. Still, the country paints a grim picture with reports of GBV in both the mainstream and social media progressing considerably. Country data shows that 45 percent of women and 44 percent of men age 15-49 have experienced physical violence, and 14 percent of Kenyan women age 15-49 have experienced sexual violence.
The causes of GBV are multi-dimensional and deeply rooted in unequal power relations both at structural and cultural levels. Historically, both women and children have borne the brunt of cultural norms and practices that perpetuate GBV. The consequences of GBV are often grave and impact adversely on the health and wellbeing of the affected individuals. Effects of GBV are equally felt at the family, community and societal levels, and continue to be an impediment to the optimal participation of women in development.

GBV remains an area of significant concern in Kenya, albeit with a handful of promising interventions. It is imperative to create and sustain a supportive environment that addresses the complex needs of survivors and their families, and adequately provides coping mechanisms. Additionally, designing and implementing preventative strategies at multiple levels, including the rehabilitation and reintegration of perpetrators, is equally critical in averting future violence.

The Conference is expected to attract about 450 participants from: line Ministries, the 47 counties, development partners, civil society organizations and other stakeholders. The National Conference on Gender Based Violence (GBV) will mark an important milestone for reflection and taking stock of the progress so far recorded in efforts to eliminate GBV in Kenya. The theme for the two-day meeting is: The Missing Agenda: Accountability towards Gender Based Violence.

The National Conference on GBV being held under the auspices of the GOK-UN Joint Programme on Prevention and Response to GBV (JP-GBV) will be hosted by The State Department of Gender (SDG) of The Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender, in partnership with The County Government of Nairobi, The United Nations Agencies, Civil Society and other stakeholders.

The two-day duty bearers conference has been proposed to take place between 16th and 17th October 2019 in Nairobi.

Objectives of the Summit:

This conference will provide a platform for:
The voices of survivors of GBV to be heard in a call for change and to galvanize increased state and non-state engagement and collective accountability in GBV prevention and response.
Engaging, interrogating and stimulate conversations to provide lasting solutions to prevention of violence against women in elections
National and County Governments to appraise progresses made, share insights and lessons learnt, and make measurable commitments to addressing persisting structural and system gaps.
GBV practitioners to explore and share innovative strategies, good practices, evidence-based work, resources and tools.

Nine panel discussion sessions which will be built into the theme as follows:

Survivors experiences and the gaps in implementation.
National Duty Bearers: “interrogating gains made over the last two years”
Good practices and sharing of innovations.
Policies and laws.
Gender Based Violence: a multi-faceted issue.
Coordination.
Accountability for Prevention and Response to GBV.
Gender Based Violence in Emergencies.
Innovations and Technology (Innovative technology solutions aimed at preventing and responding to GBV).

Expected Outputs
Conference report
Compilation of good practices, innovative strategies and lessons learnt
Online publications