The Impacts of Gender Based Violence on Education in the 21st Century
The University of Nairobi held a virtual conference in partnership with FEMME to address the contentious issue of Gender- Based Violence in the 21st century. The meeting which was held virtually addressed the challenges and the growing concerns of GBV and how the problem has been there for long. FEMME founder, Susan Chong highlighted the importance and urgency of addressing the issue of gender-based violence hence calling on every stakeholder to action.
The conference served as a pivotal platform for discussing the critical intersections of gender, environmental governance, and the rights of creating awareness in Africa. The conference attracted esteemed speakers and participants from the University of Nairobi and Australian diverse backgrounds, including academia, government, and civil society, fostering rich dialogue on how to integrate the perspectives of women and children into environmental policymaking and action.
Sarah Chon, Director and founder of FEMME Solidarity Women's Employment-Australia said that Gender-based violence need to be tackled by both genders in the society! She delivered compelling remarks highlighting the importance of gender perspectives in environmental governance. Drawing on her extensive research experience on "wifehood and power," Prof Angeline Mulwa underscored how understanding the dynamics of women's rights is essential for comprehending family and societal relationships". Her presentation was aimed at safeguarding Kenyans women, particularly those in high-risk areas such as those working in the Middle East, and showcased a proactive approach to mitigating the distress faced by women in society.
Mulwa urged for collaboration among academics and researchers to explore the intersection of violence, climate change, and women’s rights, emphasizing the need to prioritize long-term impacts for future generations.
The conference also featured a keynote presentation by Prof. Anne Assey, Chairman, the Department of Educational and Distance Studies, who emphasized the urgent need for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to gender-based violence.
Dr. Augustine Mwangi called for a transition away from fossil fuels and emphasized the necessity of integrating gender equality and the active participation of indigenous communities into new international frameworks. He highlighted the importance of embedding rights for gender and human rights within legal frameworks, to prevent the marginalization of vulnerable populations, especially women and children.
Dr. Wafula Charles articulated the University of Nairobi’s ongoing commitment to impactful research and community engagement. He appreciated the support and partnership of Sarah Chong- Director and founder of the FEMME Solidarity Women's Employment-Australia program and celebrated the establishment of the FEMME Centre.
In conclusion, the UoN and FEMME Solidarity Women Conference on Gender-Based Violence and its Effects on Education in the 21st Century was a significant step towards promoting inclusive and sustainable environmentally free violence in Africa. The discussions and insights shared during the event reaffirmed the critical importance of prioritizing the voices and rights of women and children in the face of environmental challenges. As participants departed, there was a collective commitment to translate the conference's discussions into actionable strategies that uphold the rights of communities, ensuring that future generations inherit a sustainable and resilient environment that is violence-free. The University of Nairobi remains dedicated to leading these efforts through impactful research, collaboration, and a focus on societal solutions.
