Tackling Femicide In Kenya- Sabina Chege Advices Women To Work & Get Their Own Money

Nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Sabina Chege has sparked debate with her call for women to achieve financial independence as a potential solution to the epidemic of femicide in Kenya. While her sentiment echoes a broader societal conversation, it raises complex questions about addressing the root causes of violence against women.

Hard Work and Self-Reliance

Speaking on January 30th, Sabina emphasized the importance of young women building their own foundations and not relying solely on men for financial security. She believes this, paired with increased counseling and mentorship programs, could contribute to curbing femicide cases. “Counselling, mentorship and girls accepting that you can’t start life from the top is a start to reducing femicide cases. What comes easy goes easy. Girls need to know how to work hard. There is no free money in this world,” she stated.

Sabina’s remarks come amidst a surge in femicide, with over 16 women brutally murdered within a month. This has sparked outrage and prompted protests across the country demanding protection for women and girls. On the same day, the Ministry of Interior held a consultative meeting to discuss strategies to combat this alarming trend.

Beyond Financial Independence:

While financial independence can empower women, experts caution against simplifying the issue of femicide. Poverty and vulnerability are not always primary motivations for attackers, who may be driven by a range of factors including patriarchal attitudes, power imbalances, and mental health issues. Addressing these factors requires a comprehensive approach that also focuses on:

• Strengthening law enforcement and legal systems: Ensuring swift and effective prosecution of perpetrators is crucial to deterring future violence.
• Promoting gender equality: Combating entrenched gender norms that normalize male dominance and control over women is essential for long-term change.
• Mental health support: Providing accessible and appropriate mental health services for both victims and perpetrators can help break the cycle of violence.
• Community engagement: Enlisting men and boys as allies in preventing violence against women is vital for creating a safer society for all.

The struggle against femicide demands a multifaceted approach that goes beyond individual financial empowerment. While encouraging hard work and self-reliance among women is important, it must be part of a broader societal effort to address the deep-rooted causes of violence and create a culture of respect and equality for all.