Gender-Based Violence Spike in Kenya
The Kenyan Department of Gender has reported that cases of GBV have intensified since the pandemic and even more cases are being reported in recent weeks. The report also noted the opinion stated by activists that the fear of stigma and other associated fears have made women stop reporting these cases.
Further details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/gender-based-violence-cases-quintuple-kenya-during-pandemic-survey-finds
Women Judges fighting to end SGBV in Africa
Women judges are the latest sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) responders appealing for special courts to expedite the conclusion of the related offenses. Since last year when SGBV cases have risen, women rights advocates have consistently made the call to save survivors from extended psychological trauma and costly litigation.
Further Details: https://allafrica.com/stories/202106220334.html
Kenya taking Women Peace and Security seriously
The Kenyan government has made it clear that gender-based violence has to be tackled by increasing financial investment to ensure that this shadow pandemic is eradicated. The announcement was made by President Kenyatta during the virtual launch of the Generation Equality Forum. The promotion and protection of women’s rights are pertinent for the actualization of the WPS agenda in Kenya.
Further details: https://africa.cgtn.com/2021/05/28/kenya-to-invest-21-3-million-towards-prevention-of-gbv/
Sharp Rise in COVID 19 in Uganda
COVID 19 has dealt with many countries around the world, and with the help of the vaccine, hospitalization and death rates have significantly reduced. This is not the case In Uganda, where the country has seen a sharp increase from 200 hundred cases to 1000 cases per day in May with the most affected group being 20- to 39-year-olds. The pandemic has strained the lives and livelihood of people particularly women who have to give up their daily means of survival to attend to unpaid care work in the homes setting women back with regard to economic empowerment.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/uganda-sees-sharp-rise-covid-19-cases
Elections in Somalia
The President of Somalia, President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has agreed to conduct elections In Somalia in other to avert conflict in the already fragile state. The president promised that women will get their 30% quota of government positions allocated to them by the government. This is a welcome development as women will be given the opportunity to occupy leadership positions in Somalia. Women’s participation in political leadership is one of the areas of the WPS Agenda that has been lacking and a fragile state as Somalia is ensuring that the WPS Agenda is actualized in the country.
Eco Friendly Farming in Senegal
Farmers in Senegal are trying out new techniques to reduce the use of chemicals and improve crop yield. This promotes sustainable agriculture which helps to replenish the land as well as other natural resources such as water and air. This is important as this helps women farmers reduce their reliance on non-renewable energy, chemical and help increase their harvest. This also benefits poor women farmers who do not have access to lands
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/episode/eco-friendly-farm-practices-grow-senegal-4700831
Inter Communal Conflict in South Sudan
Women and children have been killed in a failed attempt to raid cattle. At least 18 people were killed, and scores were injured in the raid which led to two days of inter communal conflict in Warrap state. Witnesses to the event have commented that this is not the first-time armed men have attacked the community stating that in the previous month, 30 people were killed during a raid by armed men.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/south-sudan-focus/intercommunal-clashes-south-sudan-kill-18
