CIVICUS discusses the rise in femicide cases in Kenya with Judy Gitau, lawyer and regional coordinator of Equality Now, a feminist organisation that uses the law to protect and promote the rights of women and girls.
Kenyan police used teargas to disperse a peaceful march held in the capital, Nairobi, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Protesters demanded action on the rising number of femicides. While President William Ruto has condemned the increase in femicides, his government has failed to take decisive action. Globally, according to United Nations Women, 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed in 2023, with Africa bearing the heaviest burden with 2.9 victims per 100,000 people.