The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is crucial in the fight against sexual violence. The United Nations declared June 19th as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, highlighting the critical need to end this global scourge. It’s a day to commemorate all who have suffered sexual violence as a result of armed conflict and call for its eradication.
Share Some Love Foundation at a past event
Sexual violence in conflict is a war crime that affects not only individuals but the entire community. The United Nations has identified sexual violence as a tactic used by perpetrators of conflict to intimidate and control populations.
Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence in Kenya
Every new wave of conflict brings with it a rising tide of human tragedy including the most silenced and least condemned crime – sexual violence. It’s a pervasive issue and a violation of human rights.
Sexual violence in conflict is a form of gender-based violence that is often used as a tool of war. It’s often committed against both women and men, girls and boys. The effects can be devastating and long-lasting. These include physical and psychological trauma, medical complications, stigma, and social exclusion.Who is Vulnerable to Sexual Violence?
According to the UN, sexual violence can be perpetrated against both women and men, boys and girls, and can take a range of violent forms, including rape, forced prostitution, sexual slavery, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, and forced sterilization.
One country that struggles with sexual violence in conflict, as well as within its borders, is Kenya. According to UNICEF, Kenya experiences high levels of sexual violence against children, especially girls. One in three Kenyan girls experiences sexual violence before the age of 18, with a significant portion of these incidents occurring within their respective families.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, sexual violence against women and girls is a major problem in the country. 40 percent of women and girls are reported to have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.
Sexual violence against street children is also a serious problem in Kenya. 41 percent of street children in Kenya have experienced some form of sexual violence – KNBS. These vulnerable children are often forced to engage in sexual activities in exchange for necessities like food and shelter.
The exploitation is facilitated by the limited legal protections afforded to street children and the extreme poverty and deprivation that these children often face.
Street children are at high risk of sexual violence and physical exploitation. And, the Share Some Love Foundation works hard to put in place several intervention measures targeting integration and reunion with society, reduction of physical and sexual exploitation, access to education, mental health growth, and reduction of drug use behavior among street-connected families.
Preventing Sexual Violence Against Women and Children in Kenya
The issue of sexual violence against children is complex, and there is no easy solution. However, some steps can be taken to help prevent and address this issue in Kenya:
Information and Communication Technology as Tool for Empowerment
ICT may be used as a tool for making digital threats and inciting gender-based violence including threats of sexual violence, rape, killing, or encouraging others to harm women.
Also, ICT can be a powerful tool to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, contribute to building their resilience in times of crises, increase the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as help survivors fight against impunity and improve accountability.
Lack of access for women and girls to affordable, accessible, and reliable technologies remains a challenge in Kenya. More needs to be done in bridging the gender digital divide and ensuring technology is safe and accessible to all.
Education
Education is key to preventing sexual violence against children. Kenyan children need to be educated on their rights and how they can speak out if they are being abused or exploited.Protection
Street children in Kenya need greater protection from sexual exploitation. Local authorities should work to provide safer spaces for homeless children and enforce laws that prevent sexual violence.Legal Reforms
The Kenyan laws need to be reformed to ensure that perpetrators of sexual violence against children are held accountable. Changes to the legal system should include harsher penalties for offenders and improved support for victims.Support Services
Share some Love Foundation’s Street Dining Program.
Survivors of sexual violence need access to specialized support services, including medical care, counseling, and legal aid. These services should be made more widely available in Kenya to allow survivors to get the help they need.
The Share Some Love Foundation is committed to ending sexual violence in conflict by mentoring, supporting, and providing basic needs to street children, especially girls.
We also share food with street families through our street dining programs. We prepare food from a central point and transport it to the streets to share with the families living in the streets.
Share Some Love to Eliminate Sexual Violence in Conflict
On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, it’s important to remember that sexual violence is not just an issue in times of war but can occur in everyday life as well. It’s time for all of us to take action to end this scourge and ensure that every person, regardless of age, gender, or circumstance, is protected from sexual violence and exploitation.
To support our cause at the Share Some Love Foundation: 
Or
Author: Festus Shigoli.
Editor: David Kaguima.