MIDRIFT HURINET's study, "Understanding the Root Cause of Gender-Based Violence in Nairobi Kenya," aims to create awareness of laws and policies on GBV in informal settlements in Kenya.

It details the experiences of survivors of Gender-Based Violence in the informal settlements of Mathare, Kibera, Dandora, and Mukuru.

The report was officially launched in March 2024.

The study's specific objectives were as follows;

 1. Identify and Document the Experiences of Gender-Based Violence Survivors

2. Examine the Socio-Economic Factors Contributing to Gender-Based Violence.

3. Explore Cultural and Structural Drivers of Gender-Based Violence.

4. Assess the Effectiveness of Existing Support Mechanisms.

5. Identify Urgent Gaps and Challenges in Policy and Legal Frameworks.

6. Recommend Evidence-Based Interventions and Policy Recommendations

The research identifies several key contributors to GBV:

Harmful Social Norms and Gender Stereotypes: Deep-seated cultural beliefs and stereotypes perpetuate gender inequality, fostering environments where violence is normalized.

Economic Disparities: Financial instability and dependency exacerbate vulnerabilities among women, increasing the risk of experiencing GBV.

Inadequate Access to Support Services: Limited availability and awareness of mental health and psychosocial support services hinder survivors' ability to seek help and recover.

Stigmatization and Reporting Barriers: Stigma associated with GBV, along with fears of not being believed or facing retaliation, discourages survivors from reporting incidents.

The study emphasizes the necessity of transforming societal attitudes, enhancing economic opportunities, improving access to support services, and fostering safe reporting environments to address and mitigate GBV in Nairobi effectively.

In the bustling urban landscape of Nairobi, the narratives of gender-based violence (GBV) survivors often remain shrouded in silence, their voices unheard amidst societal norms and systemic barriers.

The MIDRIFT HURINET study, "Understanding the Root Causes of Gender-Based Violence in Nairobi-Kenya," illuminates the profound significance of identifying and documenting these experiences. By bringing these stories to light, the study acknowledges survivors' resilience and exposes the intricate web of cultural, economic, and social factors perpetuating GBV in Nairobi's informal settlements.

Documenting survivors' experiences serves as a powerful catalyst for change. It challenges entrenched societal norms that often normalize or dismiss violence, fostering a culture of accountability and empathy. Through detailed narratives, the study reveals how harmful gender stereotypes and economic disparities contribute to GBV, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive interventions that address these root causes.

Moreover, by highlighting survivors' barriers to accessing support services, the research underscores the immediate need for creating a more responsive and survivor-centered system.

Documenting these experiences also empowers survivors, validating their voices and experiences.

It provides a platform for them to share their stories, fostering a sense of solidarity and community among survivors. This collective sharing can lead to healing and resilience, breaking the cycle of silence surrounding GBV.

Furthermore, the insights gained from these narratives inform policymakers, advocates, and service providers, guiding them in developing targeted strategies that effectively address the unique challenges GBV survivors face in Nairobi.

In essence, the MIDRIFT HURINET study underscores that identifying and documenting the experiences of GBV survivors is not merely an academic exercise but a transformative process.

It bridges the gap between survivors and the broader community, paving the way for informed policies, enhanced support systems, and a societal shift towards zero tolerance for gender-based violence.

This potential for transformation should inspire us all.

The study delves into the intricate socio-economic factors that contribute to gender-based violence (GBV).

This research underscores the profound impact of economic disparities, unemployment, and poverty in exacerbating GBV within the city's informal settlements.

By examining these socio-economic dimensions, the study illuminates how financial instability and limited access to resources can heighten tensions within households, often leading to increased instances of violence.

Furthermore, the study highlights the pivotal role of education and awareness in combating GBV. It underscores the power of collective action and the importance of educating the community to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

It reveals that low levels of education and entrenched cultural norms contribute to the perpetuation of violence against women and girls.

By identifying these socio-economic factors, the research advocates for comprehensive strategies encompassing economic empowerment, education, and community engagement to effectively address and mitigate GBV in Nairobi.

By shedding light on these socio-economic contributors, the MIDRIFT HURINET study provides a nuanced understanding of GBV's root causes, paving the way for targeted interventions that address the economic and social inequalities at the heart of this pervasive issue.

Cultural norms and structural inequalities often intertwine, creating an environment where Gender-Based Violence (GBV) can persist.

The MIDRIFT HURINET study, "Understanding the Root Causes of Gender-Based Violence in Nairobi-Kenya," delves into these cultural and structural drivers, shedding light on how traditional gender roles, societal expectations, and systemic disparities contribute to the perpetuation of GBV.

By exploring these deep-seated issues, the study emphasizes the necessity of challenging harmful cultural practices and addressing structural inequities to create a society where all individuals can live free from violence and discrimination.

Assessing the effectiveness of existing support mechanisms is equally crucial.

The study reveals that, despite the presence of various support services for GBV survivors, barriers such as limited accessibility, lack of awareness, and societal stigma often hinder their utilization.

By critically evaluating these mechanisms, the research highlights the need for more responsive, accessible, and culturally sensitive support systems that can effectively meet the needs of survivors.

This comprehensive approach ensures that interventions are available and effective in supporting those affected by GBV.

In Nairobi's informal settlements, the MIDRIFT HURINET study, "Understanding the Root Causes of Gender-Based Violence in Nairobi-Kenya," reveals significant gaps and challenges within existing policy and legal frameworks addressing gender-based violence (GBV).

Despite laws that protect individuals, the study highlights systemic issues such as inadequate enforcement, limited accessibility to legal resources, and societal stigmas that deter survivors from seeking justice.

These deficiencies not only undermine the effectiveness of current policies but also perpetuate a cycle of violence and impunity within the community.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach grounded in evidence-based interventions.

The study advocates for the development of targeted strategies that encompass community education to shift harmful cultural norms, the establishment of accessible support services for survivors, and the reinforcement of legal mechanisms to ensure accountability.

By implementing these recommendations, policymakers can create a more robust framework that not only addresses the immediate needs of GBV survivors but also fosters a societal environment where such violence is unequivocally condemned and effectively prevented.

By

Jacob Karani