Browsing by Author "Kibe, Esther"

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    Whole-of-Society Approach to Addressing Femicide in Kenya: Integrating Cultural, Family, Religion and Youth Perspectives
    (National Defence University-Kenya, 2025-09) Ngari, D. N.; Imbiakha, C. O.; Kondortiony, E.; Masibayi, Edward; Okuto, Emily; Kibe, Esther; Macharia, Lilian
    This research report, entitled “Whole of Society Approach to Addressing Femicide in Kenya: Integrating Cultural, Religious, Family, and Youth Perspectives,” presents a comprehensive analysis of the systemic drivers of femicide and the pervasive phenomenon of victim blaming within the Kenyan context. The investigation was guided by three core objectives: to delineate the root causes of these issues, to examine the influential role of socio-cultural and media narratives, and to evaluate the efficacy of existing institutional responses and interventions critically. Employing a rigorous mixed-research design, the study integrated quantitative surveys, analysed via regression models, with in-depth qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions. This triangulated approach yielded both statistically significant evidence and nuanced insights into the perspectives of cultural, religious, familial, and youth stakeholders. The empirical findings conclusively identify deeply entrenched patriarchal norms, structural gender inequalities, and harmful cultural beliefs as the primary predictors of victim-blaming attitudes that result in femicide in Kenya. Quantitative analysis established a significant positive association between adherence to these beliefs and the propensity to femicide (B = 0.36, p = 0.046). Qualitatively, these attitudes manifest through stereotypes concerning female morality, behaviour, and economic autonomy, which systematically divert culpability from perpetrators to victims and their families. The media ecosystem, encompassing both traditional and social media, was found to be a potent amplifier of these harmful narratives; sensationalist reporting often reinforces stigma, though digital platforms also present a paradoxical potential for advocacy and awareness. Furthermore, institutional mechanisms, while existing within a framework of policy, were assessed as critically fragmented, under-resourced, and poorly enforced. This institutional fragility results in the secondary victimisation of bereaved families, who reported experiencing stigmatisation, insensitive treatment by authorities, and inadequate access to psychosocial and legal support. The study concludes that victim-blaming resulting in femicide is not an isolated incident but is symptomatic of a multidimensional crisis embedded within Kenya's socio-cultural and institutional fabric. Consequently, ad-hoc interventions are insufficient. Eradicating this scourge necessitates a transformative, integrated, and ‘whole-of-society’ strategy that simultaneously targets normative, media, and institutional domains. To eradicate gender-based violence and its extremities of femicide, the study proposes four key recommendations on the following thematic areas: • Legal and Institutional Reform: i.e, securitization of femicide and androcide. • Community Engagement and Education: i.e., a robust community engagement and educational programs to deconstruct harmful gender norms. • Survivor Support and Empowerment: i.e., invest in economic empowerment initiatives. • Media and Digital Literacy: i.e., fostering responsible media coverage. This holistic approach is imperative to dismantle the structures perpetuating gender-based violence and to foster a collective national responsibility for safeguarding women’s lives.