Muktar Boru,OCS Mathare Police Station,during a visit to the station by a team from MIDRIFT HURINET


Gender desks within police stations play a crucial role in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Nairobi's informal settlements.

According to MIDRIFT HURINET's study, 'Understanding the Root Causes of Gender-Based Violence in Nairobi-Kenya,' these specialized units are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for survivors to report incidents, ensuring that cases are handled with sensitivity and

confidentiality. By offering a dedicated space staffed by trained officers, gender desks aim to reduce the barriers survivors often face when seeking legal redress.

However, the study highlights several challenges that impede the effectiveness of gender desks. Limited resources, inadequate training, and societal stigmatization contribute to underreporting and a lack of trust in law enforcement. Survivors may fear retribution or doubt the likelihood of a successful legal outcome, leading to reluctance to pursue justice. 

Systemic barriers, such as bureaucratic hurdles and insufficient legal support, further complicate the process for survivors.

To enhance the role of gender desks in providing access to justice, the study strongly recommends comprehensive training programs for officers.

These programs should equip them to handle GBV cases with sensitivity and professionalism. Improving infrastructure and resources at these desks can create a more welcoming environment for survivors.

Furthermore, community awareness campaigns are essential to educate the public about the existence and purpose of gender desks, encouraging more survivors to come forward.

 

While gender desks have the potential to significantly improve access to justice for GBV survivors, addressing the identified challenges is crucial.

By implementing the recommendations from MIDRIFT HURINET's study, stakeholders can strengthen these units, thereby enhancing the overall response to gender-based violence in Nairobi's informal settlements.

This potential for improvement should instill a sense of hope and optimism in our collective efforts.

In the fight against gender-based violencen(GBV) in Nairobi's informal settlements, the role of police officers is not just crucial, but also invaluable.

The study emphasizes equipping law enforcement personnel with basic counseling skills. Such training enables officers to handle survivors' reports with the necessary sensitivity, ensuring that the reporting process does not exacerbate the trauma experienced.

When survivors approach police stations, they are often in a vulnerable state, seeking not only justice but also empathy and understanding.

Officers trained in basic counseling can provide immediate emotional support, creating a safe environment that encourages comprehensive and accurate reporting.

This approach not only aids in collecting detailed information essential for investigations but also affirms the survivor's experience, fostering trust in the justice system.

This level of compassion and care is crucial in our interactions with survivors.

Being attuned to the mental health needs of survivors allows police officers to refer individuals to appropriate support services, facilitating holistic recovery.

Recognizing signs of psychological distress and understanding the impact of trauma are essential components of this process. By integrating counseling skills into their interactions, officers can help mitigate the long-term psychological effects of GBV, contributing to the overall well-being of survivors.

 

Implementing such training requires a concerted effort from law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and community organizations.

Developing comprehensive training programs that include modules on trauma-informed care, active listening, and empathetic communication is

essential.

Additionally, ongoing support and supervision for officers can ensure the sustained application of these skills in their daily interactions with survivors.

 

Sensitizing police officers to basic counseling skills is a pivotal step toward enhancing the reporting experience for GBV survivors. By adopting a compassionate and informed approach, law enforcement can play a significant role in supporting survivors' mental health and ensuring that justice is both accessible and empathetic.

The establishment of Police Gender Desks is a testament to the nation's commitment to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting gender equality.

This initiative is underpinned by a robust legal and policy framework designed to ensure the safety and dignity of all citizens.

 

The Constitution of Kenya (2010) serves as the cornerstone for these efforts, emphasizing human rights, equality, and non-discrimination principles. It mandates the state to take legislative and policy measures to achieve gender parity and protect individuals from violence

and abuse.

Building upon this constitutional mandate, the National Police Service Act (2011) was enacted, outlining the functions and powers of the

police.

This Act emphasizes the importance of community policing. It mandates the police to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms, laying the

groundwork for the creation of specialized units like Gender Desks to address GBV effectively.

 

To further operationalize these constitutional and legislative provisions, the National Police Service Gender Policy (2020 – 2025) was developed. This policy provides a comprehensive framework for gender mainstreaming within the police service, aiming to create a gender-sensitive organization that upholds the principles of gender equality.

It underscores the necessity of establishing Gender Offices at various levels of the police service to ensure the implementation of gender responsive practices.

 

The National Policy on Gender and Development underscores the government's dedication to gender equality and women's empowerment. It highlights the establishment of Gender Desks in police stations as a critical measure to address GBV, ensuring that survivors have access to justice and support services.

 

These legal instruments and policies reinforce Kenya's commitment to combating GBV by establishing Police Gender Desks.

By providing specialized services and support to survivors, these desks play a pivotal role in enhancing access to justice and promoting a safer society.

By

Jacob Karani