Scottish Government cash is making a real difference in fighting gender violence, especially in disaster-affected areas like Kenya
Garissa County: Recent floods in Kenya have raised concerns about a spike in gender-based violence. Over 300 lives were lost, and many families were displaced, making vulnerable women even more at risk.
Hassan Abdi Abdille from Islamic Relief Kenya shared that disasters can worsen the situation for survivors. With food and shelter scarce, domestic violence often increases. Social support networks break down, leaving individuals isolated and stressed.
In Kenya, intimate partner violence is a serious issue. Between 2016 and 2023, over 500 women were murdered by their partners. A staggering 39 to 47% of women in the country report experiencing gender-based violence at some point in their lives.
To tackle this, Islamic Relief trained 200 community members in Garissa County as “gender champions.” This included 178 women and 22 men, who learned about gender-based violence and how to support their communities.
Abdille emphasized the importance of including men in these discussions. By educating them, they can advocate for women and help spread awareness about these critical issues.
The funding also helped meet the basic needs of 1,200 households affected by the floods. Initially, there was some pushback from men in the community who viewed the program as foreign. But involving them in the training helped change that perception.
Working with local imams, who are often the first point of contact for gender-based violence issues, Islamic Relief provided psychological training as well. This training included support for those affected by violence, allowing champions to run counseling sessions.
These champions also share their personal stories, highlighting the impact of gender-based violence on women and families. Their efforts have inspired other groups in Kenya to start similar initiatives, promoting collaboration between men and women to combat violence.
Abdille noted the project’s success has sparked interest from other organizations, leading to the formation of new gender champion groups across the country. This grassroots approach is a promising solution to a serious problem.
The Scottish Government’s HEF program has reached over 711,000 people and distributed £17.5 million since 2017. Eight humanitarian organizations in Scotland, including Islamic Relief, have benefited from these funds.
In recent years, the fund has supported those affected by various crises, from the Sudanese civil war to droughts in Malawi and earthquakes in Afghanistan. External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson praised the fund, emphasizing Scotland’s commitment to global citizenship and helping those most affected by climate change.
