The United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK) has released a groundbreaking policy brief that seeks to address gender-based violence (GBV) among persons with disabilities in Kilifi County.

The initiative underscores the need for inclusive policy planning and implementation to safeguard the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in the face of GBV.

According to Julius Amoke, a representative of the organization, Gender based Violence against people with disabilities is higher in women than men in Kilifi county.

He said the research informed the need for the policy proposal.

“Our research has revealed the prevalence of gender-based violence among persons with disabilities in Kilifi County. Despite the absence of comprehensive data, it is evident that persons with disabilities bear a disproportionate burden of GBV, facing unique challenges that exacerbate their vulnerability, he said

The research revealed that 34% of females and 17% of males experience GBV. This issue transcends geographical boundaries, affecting both urban and rural communities.

Amoke stressed the importance of collective action in fighting GBV against PWDs

 “As UDPK, we appeal to all stakeholders at all levels to heed our recommendations and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. By prioritizing disability inclusion, we can effectively combat GBV and protect the rights of persons with disabilities,” he added

Moses Munga, also from UDPK, emphasized the necessity for tailored interventions, stating, “Persons with disabilities encounter multifaceted barriers, including socio-economic disparities and cultural misconceptions, which heighten their susceptibility to GBV. Policy frameworks must address these complexities.”

He called for the identification of critical gaps in existing policies as well as a paradigm shift towards disability-inclusive GBV prevention and response efforts.

“Our policy brief serves as a clarion call for stakeholders to prioritize disability inclusion in all aspects of GBV programming,” asserted Munga.

To address these challenges, the policy brief proposes a comprehensive set of recommendations, including prioritizing disability inclusion in policy planning, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders, and allocating resources for disability-inclusive GBV prevention and response efforts.

Mary Karisa, a woman living with a disability said most PWDs are sexually abused because they mostly depend on others for mobility and other issues.

“I cannot see so it is easier for someone to take advantage of my sight problem and sexually abuse me. We have some who cannot talk so it is easier for them to be molested because they will mostly not say who did that to them,” she said

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She said most PWDs are sexually abused as a result of cultural beliefs and myths.

“We have people who believe if you have sex with a person with a disability then you will become rich or you will be healed of a certain disease. This is the reason why most people with disability are abused,” she said

Kilifi County Director for Youth and Gender Shumaa Mwangome said the department has made a deliberate effort to include matters of disability in all their policies.

“We have also established the Disability Act which stipulates how people living with disabilities should be handled. We have no specific programmes targeting PWDs but we do a lot of gender mainstreaming,” he said

The launch of this policy brief marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against GBV, signaling a united commitment to ensuring the protection and empowerment of all members of society, regardless of ability.

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Yaa Juma

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