Crime WatchNational News
Government sets up care centres to combat violence targeting women
PS Beacco noted that in recent times, violence, especially against young women, has been on the rise leading to tragic deaths
The government is establishing gender care centres across the country to combat crimes targeting women, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr Salome Beacco has said.
She added that the exercise being overseen by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen meant to ensure that all suspects linked to violence against women are arrested and prosecuted.
Dr Beacco spoke when she presided over activities to mark International Mothers Day at the Gatitu Catholic Church grounds in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, near her rural home.
She also gave donations of food to over 500 elderly women, seven water tanks for local schools and dispensaries as well as sanitary towels for young school girls, among other goodies.
Noting that in recent times gender-based violence, especially against young women, has been on the rise leading to tragic deaths, the PS, who sits in the Council for Administration of Justice, said her department is networking with the Judiciary to ensure offenders face the law.
“We are in conversation with the Judiciary, whose head the Chief Justice is the Chairperson of the Council, to see to it that those who violate the rights of women and girls face the full force of the law. We have also witnessed cases of violence against men by women which will also be dealt with equally,” said Dr Beacco.
Area MP Gabriel Kagombe said Gender-Based Violence (GBV) issues need to be addressed at social level since there are enough laws already in place.
“Currently, where we are as a country we should not talk if introducing tough laws to deal with the issue of GBV. There’s enough legislation already and the problem is at your social fabric, it is no longer a legal issue For instance young men need to know it is wrong to harm a woman,” said Kagombe.
Humphrey Muchuma, the country director of Waterstep International, which donated the 5,000-litre tanks, said more resources should be channeled towards alleviating the burden of fetching water which is borne by women worldwide.
He said his organisation is making efforts in collaboration with the government to take water closer to communities.
“We are also appealing to the youth to support their elderly parents by providing for their material needs, rather than just post their pictures on social media platforms,” said Machuma.
