Kenya has taken a monumental step in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in sports with the unveiling of the Gender Protection and Implementation Committee.
Spearheaded by Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, the committee seeks to transform the sports sector into a safe and inclusive space for all athletes.
The 14-member advisory board and secretariat bring together seasoned professionals, athletes, and advocates. Notable members include Catherine Ndereba, a world-renowned marathon legend and two-time Olympic silver medalist, and Essie Akida, a striker for Harambee Starlets, both of whom have long been symbols of resilience in Kenyan sports.
The advisory board also comprises Prof. Paul Ochieng, a former member of the 2021 Taskforce on Gender Welfare and Equity in Sports, Barbra Malowa from the Law Society of Kenya, Benjamin Wafula, Elizabeth Wangeci, and Joyce Kebenei. The committee’s secretariat will be led by Diana Watila as Chief Executive Officer, supported by Catherine Njeri Maina, Lorna Tanui, Fardhosa Hassan Boru, and Patricia Arisi.
A Timely Launch During ’16 Days of Activism Against GBV’ The inauguration, held at Talanta Plaza on Monday, coincided with the global ’16 Days of Activism Against GBV’ campaign, which runs until December 10. This alignment underscores the urgency of tackling GBV, especially within the sports sector, which has witnessed tragic incidents in recent years. “This committee is a critical step toward creating a GBV-free sports environment. It represents the government’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges and ensuring safety, fairness, and equity for every athlete,” Murkomen said during the launch.
The committee will be responsible for implementing the 2022 Report on Gender Welfare and Equity in Sports, a roadmap developed to address systemic GBV issues in Kenyan sports. Among its key tasks are:
• Conducting gender audits and institutional analyses. • Reviewing and developing policies to curb GBV in sports.
• Creating a framework for multi-agency collaboration to tackle GBV across sports organizations.
• Organizing workshops and campaigns to educate athletes and stakeholders about gender-related issues.
• Establishing safe spaces where athletes can prepare and participate in competitions without fear of harassment or violence.
The committee also aims to advance gender mainstreaming within sports organizations, ensuring that gender equity becomes an integral part of governance and operations.
The committee’s formation follows high-profile tragedies, including the murders of long-distance runner Agnes Tirop and Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete Damaris Mutua, both victims of intimate partner violence. These heartbreaking losses highlighted the urgent need for structural changes to protect athletes.
By bringing together influential figures from the world of sports and law, the committee aims to foster a culture of accountability and empowerment. Ndereba, Akida, and their peers symbolize the hope and determination required to lead this transformative movement.
As the committee begins its work, the focus remains on prevention, education, and accountability. With the backing of the government and the broader community, this initiative aims to set a precedent for addressing GBV not just in Kenya but across Africa’s sports sectors. “This is more than just a fight against GBV; it’s about building a safer, more inclusive future for athletes everywhere,” Murkomen emphasized.
With the groundwork laid and an ambitious mandate ahead, the committee represents a beacon of hope for Kenyan sports, demonstrating that change is possible when athletes, stakeholders, and the government come together to champion justice and equality.
