Kenyan sports are stepping up to tackle Gender-Based Violence (GBV) head-on, with renowned athletes Catherine Ndereba and Essie Akida leading the charge. As members of the newly formed Gender Protection and Implementation Committee, these trailblazers are using their platforms to advocate for safe and equitable spaces in sports.
The committee, unveiled by Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday at Talanta Plaza, aims to combat GBV in a sector that has long struggled with systemic issues. The initiative aligns with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
Athletes Take the Lead
Catherine Ndereba, the iconic marathoner and two-time Olympic silver medalist, is no stranger to breaking barriers. As a past chair of the 2022 Taskforce on Gender Welfare and Equity in Sports, Ndereba has laid the groundwork for meaningful change. She now aims to ensure that sports environments empower rather than endanger athletes.
“Sports should inspire growth and confidence, not silence and fear. We owe it to the next generation to dismantle the systems that enable GBV,” she asserted.
For Harambee Starlets striker Essie Akida, this fight is personal. Having navigated the challenges of a male-dominated sport, she recognizes the unique position athletes hold in advocating for change.
“Athletes aren’t just players; we’re witnesses and survivors. It’s our responsibility to ensure no one feels powerless in pursuing their dreams,” Akida said.
She emphasized the committee’s plans for gender audits, workshops, and safe spaces as critical to creating lasting impact.
Turning Tragedy into Action
The committee’s formation follows tragic events in Kenyan sports, including the deaths of long-distance runner Agnes Tirop and Bahraini athlete Damaris Mutua, both victims of intimate partner violence. These incidents underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms.
Backed by government support, the committee will roll out initiatives such as multi-agency collaborations, awareness campaigns, and educational workshops. Cabinet Secretary Murkomen praised the involvement of athletes like Ndereba and Akida, stating, “These athletes are role models and exemplify the transformative power of sports figures in societal change.”
A United Front for Change
The advisory board includes experts like Prof. Paul Ochieng, Barbra Malowa from the Law Society of Kenya, and former taskforce member Benjamin Wafula, among others. The committee’s secretariat will be led by CEO Diana Watila, supported by an accomplished team.
“This initiative is a decisive step toward eradicating GBV in sports, ensuring every athlete can thrive in a safe and fair environment,” Murkomen declared.
As the committee embarks on its mission, the message is clear: GBV has no place in sports. With icons like Ndereba and Akida at the forefront, Kenyan sports are poised to lead the way in championing justice and equity, proving once again the power of sports as a force for societal transformation.
