1. Youth perceptions and attitudes towards gender
violence and inequality.
A Project Conducted by Instant Grass
For Nike Foundation
October 2011

2. Instant Grass conducted small groups, intimate face to face interviews with 120 boys and 75 girls;
aged between 12 -28 years of age who live on less than Ksh 300 per day and reside in Nairobi
slums (urban and peri urban). Specifically, we spoke to individuals from the following areas:
Urban: Mathare, Mukuru wa Njenga, Mukuru Kayaba, Kibera, Kawangware
Peri urban: Kangemi, Kibagare, Michigwi and Kikuyu
Age Male (urban) Male (peri-urban) Female (urban) Female (peri-urban)
12 - 15 yrs 15 15 9 12
16 - 18 yrs 15 15 9 12
20 - 24 yrs 15 15 9 12
25 - 28 yrs 15 15 9 12
60 60 36 48

3. We segmented the age groups based on their life stages.
Age groups
12 -15 Primary school students
16 -18 High school students
19 -24 / 25-28 Unemployed and employed individuals.

4. 12 -15 Primary school students

5. 16 -18 High school students

6. 19 -24 Unemployed and employed individuals.

7. 25-28 Unemployed and employed individuals.

8. Objective:
The objective of the study was to understand the perceptions of both boys and girls
culture attitudes, behaviors and beliefs related to violence against girls
and younger women.

9. Table of Contents
We probed the youth on several topics which will be highlighted in this presentation:
Definition of gender violence and inequality
Effects and causes of gender violence and inequality
Perceptions on gender violence and inequality
Exposure to gender violence and inequality
Agents of change
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

10. Q 1a . How would you define gender violence?

11. Definition of gender violence:
Text book definition
The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (Article 1) defines violence against
women as:
Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or
psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary
deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.

12. Youths’ definition of gender violence
12- 15 year olds were not familiar with the terms and definition of gender violence. However, upon
explanation as to what the term meant, they readily identified the vice.
.
“Wasichana wanashikwa shikwa tu na wavulana wa neighborhood.” 13yr old female
“Bwana anapiga bibi na kama amekosa mpango wa kando.” 15 yr old male
“Vita.” 13 yr old male

13. Youths’ definition of gender violence
The older grasses aged between 16 and 28 were familiar with the terms gender violence as well as
the meaning and even went further to deduce that it’s a two way vice that affects
both men and women.
“I think its conflict that comes as a result of
misunderstanding between the opposite sexes.”
23 yr old male
“Your fathe aki chapa mathe. Hio ndio opinion yangu ya
gender violence.”
“What I can say its that its violating ones basic rights, male
or female” – male, 28 years

14. Q 1b. What are the types of gender violence?

15. 1. Physical violence is defined as the intentional use of physical force with the potential to cause
death, disability, injury or harm.
2. Sexual violence Use of physical force to compel a person to engage in a sexual act against his or
her will, whether or not the act is completed.
3. Psychological (emotional) violence Trauma to the victim caused by acts, threats of acts, coercive
tactics when there has also been prior physical or sexual violence. It can also be described as he
use of words, gestures, or weapons to communicate the intent to cause death, disability, injury,
or physical harm.
(Source: WHO – World Health Organization)
Types of gender violence

16. We sought to find out the level of knowledge the youth had on
the types of gender violence..

17. The youth identified 3 types of gender violence as:
1. Rape (sexual violence)
2. Psychological (emotional)violence
3. Physical violence

18. i. Sexual violence (Rape)
Sexual violence was highlighted by individuals from both sexes across all the age groups. They
mainly identified rape of women and defilement of minors as forms of sexual violence.
“You will find that I am married na bwana yangu
anakuja anytime, pengine after siku tatu ama wiki.
Amekuja tu na amedi hata nikimwambie no tutumie
condom anasema hapana wewe ni wife yangu. It is
supposed to be my right. Kama tutumie condom or
not.” 24yr old female
“A friend of mine separated from her boyfriend. Sex
had created a bond between them and the man was
not willing to let it go. He forces her to have sex and
usually says ‘ siulikuwa wangu, laziam utalala na mimi’
‘I have the right, you are mine. Lazima tuifanye.”
26yr old female
“Kuna mwingine which is painful…akapata watoto wake
after wamewachana na bibi yake akashika mtoi
akammolest…na ako HIV positive. Wale wana molest
watu wakipatwa wanafaa kupewa heavy penalties”
Sexual violence is largely at home

19. i. Sexual violence (Rape)
Sexual violence also takes place in the ‘corridors’ of where they live.
“Women are encouraged to carry condoms in
their bags so if they are approached by a
gang they can alert them that they have
HIVAIDS. This creates an option for the gang
members to either rape you while using a
condom or not raping you at all. An initiative
started by the community.”
According to the females who live in Mathare
and whom we interviewed, the rapists are as
young as 14 years old.

20. Find out stats on boys being raped and why?
Find out other stats on gender violence – is it on the rise?
58 of every 100 children have been sexually harassed while 29% boys and 24% girls reported to
have been forced into unwanted sex.
CICE Hiroshima University, Journal of International Cooperation in Education, Vol.12 No.1 (2009) pp.177 ～
192
Insight- men only know one way to deal with conflict i.e. through violence.

21. ii. Physical violence
Physical violence was the second most popular form of violence identified across the groups,
this was largely within the home.
“Husi anaeza kuja home na anataka nyama lakini umemletea mboga.
Anaeza kukuswaga.” 23yr old female
“Unaweza pigwa uwe kiwete, kuchomwa na maji ama uvunje mkono.”
23yr old female
You can be beaten until you break your arm or become
disabled.
“Kuna jirani yetu huko nyumbani. Anakuja kama amelewa hajaachia
mke na watoto pesa ya chakula, supper ama lunch, anaitisha chakula.
Anaanza kuwachapa yote.kutoka bibi mpaka watoto.” 12yr old
female.
Our neighbor at home comes home drunk and expects to
be served food. Once he is told that there was not enough
money to purchase food supplies he begins to hit his wife
and children

22. iii. Psychological violence
Grasses aged between 19 – 28 years identified with psychological violence as a form of
gender violence; Then predominantly mentioned this is in the form of women being oppressed
and verbally abused by their male counterparts.
“In terms of fighting, may be emotionally with words where you
keep putting someone down with the things you say.” 23yr old
female
“There’s also oppression, when I oppress you by giving you
something you cannot manage, I’m not doing it physically but
emotionally I’m hurting you. That is also a form of violence
because you won’t feel comfortable when I give you a task you
cannot perform or I oppress you for example I deny you food. I
deny you shelter or any other basic necessity, so that’s part of
violence.” 24yr old male
“If I utter bad words to a lady it may traumatize her and
whatever you say or tell her may stick in her mind.” 26yr old
male

23. Observation:
From the comments given during the interview we noticed that the youth aged 12 -15
where mostly familiar with domestic violence.
We also observed that they (age 12 -15) do not make out the use of harmful words as
a form of violence as some of the older youth do.
Physical violence and sexual violence are the greatest forms of violence that are
present to the youth interviewed.
By this observation, we are able to notice that the younger are not able to identify
when violence starts, as defined by society.

24. Q 2a . How would you define gender inequality?

25. Gender inequality refers to the obvious or hidden disparity between individuals due to
gender. Gender is constructed both socially through social interactions as well as
biologically through chromosomes, brain structure, and hormonal differences.
www.wikipedia.com
Definition of gender inequality:
Web definition

26. Youths’ definition of gender
inequality
The 16 -28 year olds were greatly conversant with the term gender inequality and defined it
as discrimination against either, sex, predominantly women.
“Gender violence according to me ni to an extent
there is a discrimination ka ni dame au ni chali.
Tuseme ka we ni dame umenda kutafuta job. To
some extent kuna time the bosses wana ambianga
ma dame lazima ulale na yeye ndio upate hio job.”
21yr old female
“Tuseme upande wa girls wanaonewa, ama upande
wa boys.” – 12 yr old boy
“Sa ka hiyo gender equality ni ile the women
wanataka wakuwe treated the same way as the men
ikuwe a fifty fifty thing, the way you treat men the
women are treated like that, that’s what they want,
opportunities ? yeah equal rights.” 21 yr old male

27. Q 2b. What are the types gender inequality?

28. Inequality that takes at the workplace: Men typically occupy positions of power within the
job economy. Due to taste or preference for other men because they share similar
characteristics, men in these positions of power are more likely to hire or promote other
men, thus discriminating against women.
Inequality that takes place at home: they were typically associated with domesticity, so
occupations requiring these same skills are not economically valued. Men have traditionally
been viewed as the breadwinner or the worker, so jobs held by men have been historically
economically valued and occupations predominated by men continue to be economically
valued and pay higher wages.
(Source: www.wikipedia.com)
Types of Inequality
Web definition

29. When probed, the youth identified 3 types of gender inequality. Namely:
1. Inequality that takes place at home
2. Inequality that takes place in regards to education
3. Inequality that takes place in regards to employment and leadership

30. i. Inequality at home
The girls across the different age groups highlighted chores at home are ascribed according to
gender; and they bear the brunt of things. They also mentioned sexual inequality at home.
This, they felt, was a key example of inequality.
Mwanamume anaforce mwanamke kufanya kazi za nyumba.
Unampatia mtoto kazi mob yenu unajua haezi fanya, violate his
rights. (Female)
“Unapata msichana anafanyafanya kazi na mvulana hafanyi kitu.
Anakaa tu anacheza na hafanyi kitu. Ukimwambia aume kijana,
wazazi anasema kijana hajui vile kufanya hizo vitu.” 12yr old
female
You find that the girl does all the work whilst the boys
play. When you ask your parents why they can’t send
your brother, they tell you that a boy is not cut out for
such jobs.
“And then unapata after marriage women, especially
women are entitled to house chores, wasifanye job external.
Kazi ni kuamka, kufua, kupika and all that.” (Female)
Na for example sexuality let’s say you married and then bibi
yako hataki, unamforce, hiyo ni inequality.(Male)

31. ii. Inequality in regards to education
Due to stereotype thinking, boys are perceived to be better oriented to science subjects and girls
are oriented to the arts. In some instances, it was mentioned that boys are more deserving to
obtain an education as opposed to their feminine counterparts. In addition, girls accessed the
same opportunities as boys when being selected for campuses, despite having a lower grades.
“Gender inequaliy inaeza kuwa kwa studies. Ka we ni
mdame na umechagua sciences.wale wengine wana
kuambia kwani we ni mwanmume umetake hizi
sciences. Esteem yake inaenda down.” 23yr old female
“Wazazi wengine wanasema wacha tusomeshe mvulana kwa
sabau msichana ataolewa. Watoto wana anza kupigana na
kuchukiana.” 22yr old female
Some parents believe that they should educate the boy
child because the girls shall get married at some point in
their lives. The children may begin fighting amongst
themselves.
Quote from primary school kids and campus

32. iii. Inequality in regards to leadership
and employment
The different sexes enjoyed different opportunities at the work place; women were largely short-changed.
Similarly, women are perceived to be less capable to handle positions of leadership, in
particular, political roles. This was predominantly mentioned by the older age groups (19 – 28) years.
“Ka ni dame, we ukona papers better ama the same ka yeye but yeye ana
get job virahisi sana, wako favoured.”22 yr old male
If you have the same qualification as a girl, she still gets the job
because they are favoured.
“Ushasema moja, leadership. Huyu dame hawezi tupeleka pahali. Wacha
tu tuvote hata kama chali ana record mbaya .” 25yr old male
The ladies are not perceived as having leadership qualities.
They will not take us anywhere so we had rather vote for a
male even if his past record is bad.
“And then unapata after marriage women, especially women are entitled
to house chores, wasifanye job external. Kazi ni kuamka, kufua, kupika and
all that. Lakini mwanaume ni kazi. Halafu ukipata job ina pay more kuliko
mwanaume inaeza lead to divorce.” 24yr old male
After marriage women are seen to perform the house chores
and not to look for any other work. If you do work and you earn
more than your husband, this may lead to divorce.

33. Too much focus on girl-child
A few men pointed out that women benefit from pockets of leniency in the quest of empowering the
girl-child / women. This is at the expense of the boy child.
“The government has over emphasized the issue of
the girl child. Even in the government the way the
women say they want to be treated equally and want
more seats, I think they should fight for the jobs
instead of being given for free. Nothing is for free.”
23yr old male
“Wazazi sa hizi wan concentrate sana na wasichana
wakisema vijana wanaeza pata kazi. Sasa vijana ndio
waendi shule kwa wingi. Ina faa sasa iwe 50/50.”
20 yr old male
Various stakeholders have often focused on the girl
child as a victim and in many ways forgotten the boy
child which one can say is a form of inequality.

34. Case Study:
Boys To Men

35. Observation:
• The youth aged 12-15 relate more to the inequality that takes place at home and in regards
to education because of the school – home context.
• The older youth, both male and female aged 16-28 greatly identified with inequality at the
workplace because at this age they are either searching for a job or you are exposed to
individuals who have undergone this form of inequality.
• The females aged between 19 -28 years have a more emotive reaction to gender inequality
because they are more affected as compared to the boys who have a ‘text book’ reaction.

36. Opportunity:
The youth aged between 12 and 15 years are not cognizant to the prospect of gender inequality
and violence hence the need to expose them to the vice in good time so as to nip it in the bud.
A study conducted by Instant Grass mid 2010, looking to understand the challenges faced by the
marginalised girl child whose objective was to explore different avenues to engage with the
this audience confirmed that in the early stages of life ( 10 – 12 years), children were more
impressionable and hence presents an opportune time to engage with them.

37. Q 3. What are the effects of gender violence and inequality

38. We categorized the effects of gender violence in three categories:
1. Social effects
Low self esteem and self worth
Psychological / emotional pain
Suicide
2. Economic effects
Low productivity at the workplace and school
Joblessness and Poverty
3. Health effects
HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases
Early pregnancies and abortion
Drug and alcohol abuse

39. Social Effects of gender violence
Social effects are those that impact persons within families and community.
Low self esteem:
“”..unapata mtu akona low self esteem to the extent atakama akona ile, she can do
something iko poa na society kama njire they stay at home and do kazi ya nyumabani sa mtu ana kua na
hiyo low self esteem ina ku affect kabisa hadi in future when things happen you look at it and you’re like
no you can’t do it, you don’t have the potential to do it.” 21yr old female
“When your husband abuses you in front of ur kids. You will not be the same in front of your kids again.”
25yr old female

40. Social Effects of gender violence
Social effects are those that impact persons within families and community.
Psychological pain:
“Another effect of rape is that the girl who was raped grows, she can’t tell the parents in
most cases coz they say it’s your fault, they say that you did this to that you provoke the person who
raped you. So this girl grows up with bitterness and the hatred of men. “ 20yr old female
Suicide:
“Pia kitu ka hiyo ikihappan ka hazi akibeat wife, wife akuwe mentally disturbed aende acommit suicide
hivi coz atakuwa anaona haifai, atakuwa anaona kila time unambeat unambeat sa aamue tu siku moja”
23yr old male
“Kosa mtoto after arepiwe ama aende ajifinish.” 15yr old male

41. Health Effects of gender violence
Social effects are those that impact persons within families and community.
HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases
“In terms of increase of HIV/AIDS, utapata sa sazingine husband na wife wakikosana ataenda nje na anaeza
rudi nayo.” 24yr old female
Early pregnancies and abortion
“Juu ya abortion, the boy gives the girl money to procure an abortion. The girl is asked to drink
strong tea na yule daktari. The treatment doesn’t work. When she tells her boyfriend bado yuko pg
anaanza kuchapwa ndio auue mtoto. He was caught but that did not stop him. He even sent thugs to try
and kill her. His cousin found out and warned her and took the initiative to talk to him. The boy changed
his mind” 24yr old female
“We ni msichana uko hujo 14/15 years na umeshika mimba. Ushazaa buda yako anakuambia uende.
Mentally ur disturbed coz ur not ready for marriage. Your there just coz u have to be.” 26yr old female

42. Economic Effects of gender violence
Low productivity at the workplace and school
“kama mtu amepigana kwao akienda job hatawork poa juu ako na hizo stress. Haezi concentrate” 18yr
old male
“Mtoto anaona vile wazazi wanabehave. Ataanza kufikiria na anaacha kufanya kazi”
“It affects the children’s mind. Kids get affected and transfer what they have heard at home to their
school work”
Poverty
“Imagine niko married na niko na mtoi. Nauliza bwana pesa na ananipimia na niko na watoi wawili.
Haitatosha. Lazima nihustle. Chali wanakunanua nyama, sukuma, vitu za nyumba na if you ask him pesa
ya kununua pads hakuna. Amekuleta juu ya watoi.” 26 yr old female
“Lack of economical development, tuseme ukikosa kusoma government haiezi jusaidia alafu ata huwezi
participate kwa sababu hauna any income.”19yr old male
“Ka mi ni mtu wa biashara na bwana yangu ananichapa, kuna siku sitaenda kazi kwa sababu niko na
bruises na lazima she heals. Biashara inaenda down.” 25yr old female

43. Observations
The youth aged 12 -15 yr were familiar with abortion, low concentration in class
and emotional pain.
The youth between the age of 16 -28 were familiar with all classes of
gender violence effects.

44. Effects of gender inequality
We categorized the effects of gender inequality in two categories:
1. Social effects
Low self esteem and self worth
Dependency on others
Psychological / emotional pain
Early marriages
2. Economic effects
Low productivity

45. Social Effects of gender inequality
Social effects are those that affect people’s social units like families and the community at large
Low self esteem and self worth
“A point on self esteem, unapata mtu akona low self esteem to the extent atakama akona ile, she can do
something iko poa na society kama njire they stay at home and do kazi ya nyumabani sa mtu ana kua
na hiyo low self esteem ina ku affect kabisa hadi in future when things happen you look at it and
you’re like no you can’t do it, you don’t have the potential to do it.” 21yr old female
“When your husband abuses you in front of ur kids. You will not be the same in front of your kids again.”
25yr old female
“ -Fahari wawili wakipigana nyasi huumia- when children grow up in a household where their parents are
violent it really affects them psychologically.” 22yr old male

46. Social Effects of gender inequality
Social effects are those that affect people’s social units like families and the community at large
Psychological / emotional pain
“ -Fahari wawili wakipigana nyasi huumia- when children grow up in a household where their parents are
violent it really affects them psychologically.” 22yr old male
Early marriages
Add quote..

47. Economic Effects of gender inequality
Effects that affect the people’s social units like families and the community at large
Low productivity:
“kama mtu amepigana kwao akienda job hatawork poa juu ako na hizo stress. Haezi concentrate” 18yr
old male
“Mtoto anaona vile wazazi wanabehave. Ataanza kufikiria na anaacha kufanya kazi”
“Ka mi ni mtu wa biashara na bwana yangu ananichapa, kuna siku sitaenda kazi kwa sababu niko na
bruises na lazima she heals. Biashara inaenda down.” 25yr old female

48. Observations:
1. The girls aged between 12 -15 years greatly related to the low esteem and self worth as
an effect of gender inequality.
2. Boys aged 12 -15 years did not seem to realize the effects of gender inequality.
3. A few of the older girls 16 -28 years old related to both low esteem and dependency on
others, especially their husbands and parents.
4. The boys aged between 19 -28 years were aware of low esteem and self worth as an
effect especially to the girls.

49. Q 4. What are the causes of gender violence and inequality

50. The youth identified the following causes of gender violence
and inequality:
1. Culture and tradition
2. Alcohol
3. Poverty
4. Peer pressure from friends and relatives

51. i) Culture and tradition:
Males and females aged between 19 and 28 years identified culture and traditions as major
contributors to gender violence and inequality. Culture affected how gender issues were
perceived and resolved.
“Women who work have their independent attitudes. Men find them a threat and would prefer one who doesn’t
work.” 24yr old female
“According to tradition, if you did not hit your wife in the first year of marriage then you are not a man.” 23yr old
male
“This attitude brings about the perception ‘My husband hits me because he loves me! The beating is in turn
believed to be an act and proof of love. In turn, people then tend to believe that women appreciate being beaten.”

52. “Kama mimi ni jaluo na bibi yangu auze mboga?” 25yr old female
“According to our culture you favor boys more than girls.” 23yr
old female
“Africa women generally have to be beaten, it’s a hard society
and everything is changing and the women also want to change
at a very fast rate so you have to beat them so that there speed
can slow .
down, you know I mean women today talk of I want to
be the c.e.o who cares you know.”. 20 year old male
i) Culture and tradition:
Males and females aged between 19 and 28 years identified culture and traditions
as major contributors to gender violence and inequality. Culture affected how
gender issues were perceived and resolved.

53. All the different groups identified alcohol as a key accelerant of gender violence , especially in
the home front.
ii) Alcohol:
“Analewa, kila siku amelewa. Ukimwuliza pesa ya food
anakata.anaenda pale inje madem wakimtoanisha
anawapatia. Akirudi nyumbani anasema hana.” 23yr
old female
“Mamangu alikuwa akikunywa na because of her
grudges she would wake my dad up and want to fight.
So as she is disturbing my dad, my dad wakes up and
actually starts to hit he to coz she asked for it.” 26yr
old female
“Kuna wale wanaenda kukuywa pombe nyingi,kurudi nyumbani
bibi anauliza pesa ya chakula na anapigwa.” 14yr old male
There are those men who go out to drink. When they
get home and are asked for money by their wives,
they end up beating them.

54. iii) Poverty:
The girls and older females emphasized poverty as a main contributor of
gender violence and inequality.
“sasa unga ni 120 na mtu anankuachia SOH kuna watoto
iezi tosha! Mgeni akikuja unamkawia pia yeye. Anataka
nyama amekuachia SOH,sa utafanya?” 28 yr old female
“Analewa, kila siku amelewa. Ukimwuliza pesa ya food
anakata..” 28 yr old female
Mwingine hawezi itsha pesa, hawezi faanyiwa hata
shopping kwa nyumba. 19yr old female
Hakuna pesa ya chakula na ya school fees. Yule
mwanamume anakunywa pesa yote ya shule. 13yr old
female
The man ends up drinking all the money allocated for
school fees and food.

55. iv) Peer pressure
The older males and females pointed out that peer pressure catalyses gender violence as men
wanted to fit in with their social groups.
“Ataona ana kaa hivi na mabeshte wana kaa hivi na
hivi na hivi na ataanza kubishanabishana na mke
wake.” 26yr old female
“Kuna hawa watu walikuwa kwa bar nikaskia
wakisema…he! Mimi wangu akileta kujua
ninamchapanga.”
“..and we also work through pressure you find that
your married and in your groups maybe your in a
drinking spree with your groups and their telling you
that mwanamke anakuninii so you have that pressure
so when you go back at home you go with thoughts
that a woman cannot rule me.” 20 yr old male

56. Observation
The greatest causes as identified by the youth are culture and tradition and alcohol.
Religion is considered a barrier because the church in the eyes of the youth aged 19 -24 years do not feel
safe seeking counsel and guidance from the church leaders.
The youth relate more to the causes of gender violence than to gender inequality.
Recommendation
Implementation of awareness and sensitization programs that aim to burst the myths of culture and
tradition; also to teach the youth on the effects of alcohol.

57. Q 5. What is your perception on violence against girls and
younger women?

58. It’s wrong
When prompted, both male and females larelgy reinforced the notion that gender violence is
inequality is wrong and they did not support the vice.
“This is so disgusting when I see these things that man is crazy!”
“I am thinking if I find that man I could just kill him!” (female)
“When you abuse someone you hurt them and that’s wrong, you do to others what you want someone to do to
you. Its not right.” (male)
“Wana dhulumiwa sana kwa sababu wana ringa waki sema wako special kuliko vijana” 13 yr old male
“I believe I should be given my rights and especially the children because they are so innocent. In all
kinds of violence the children are the ones who suffer.” 24yr old female

59. They were against it
The different groups were largely opposed to gender inequality and reiterated that women
and girls required similar opportunities enjoyed by boys.
“Equality creates harmony in the family. If equity is not practiced
here they’ll break” (male)
“I shouldn’t be left at home looking after the kids while my
brothers are going to school saying that I am the only one who
can take care of the smaller kids, so it has to happens then there
should be terms. I remain with the kids today, my brother remains
with the kids tomorrow.” 23yr old female
“The incidences of gender violence are more because people do
not know their rights, they think it’s just part of life and this
causes more of it to happen. People need to know their rights.”
(male)
“I firmly believe there is always another way. I don’t believe in
violence. I feel there should be another way out as the head of
the family, as a man you should find another solution” – 25 yr old
Male

60. Observation
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Recommendation
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61. Q 6. What do your parents, guardians and relatives think about
gender violence and inequality

62. Parents face cultural challenges
Most parents are still tied by cultural constraints and therefore their perceptions are colored
by what culture dictates. This was mostly brought to light by the females aged between
25 – 28 years of age.
“Sometimes our parents don’t help us. I got married and
gave birth. Ahhh enda kwa chali yako si bado yuko. I am
beaten and beaten. When I go back home tunakosana na
mathe. Kama mjaluo I am told bwana yako ni bwana yako.
I plead with her to stay at home but in vain. I go back with
my child. So when it got really bad mathe alisema no
against hiyo violence . ‘hii si poa’ she told me I could stay
with her. Whatever we get utakula. You are still young.
Alikuja ku-understand alikuwa akiniambia the wrong
thing.” 28yr old female
“Some of them fear reporting the cases, because the family
itself does not listen or support them. For the sake of the
family; they should vumilia ndio wasiembarass familia…
lazima you zoea for your kids so they have to vumilia. They
know that gender violence is there but they have to vumilia.”
25yr old male

63. Some parents are against
gender inequality and violence
There are some parents who are more liberal and are opposed to gender violence
and inequality; and teach their children as such.
“Long ago they felt the place of the woman is in the kitchen
but now its different and it affects people and they take it
seriously.” 24yr old male
“Tukiwa wakubwa tusifanye kama wengine. Tusichapane.” 12 yr old
female
When we grow up we should not hit each other.
“I think its because of the way I was raised. To know good
from bad. I know it as bad.” 27 yr old male

64. Observation
For the parents against gender violence and inequality, this attitude can be attributed to the
knowledge that they have been able to get on the topic especially because of all the violence cases
taking place within their children’s lives and from the community.
Parents may speak about violence being wrong but they themselves are suffering from it or know of
someone who is. They cannot do anything because of the traditional values placed on the
importance of solid family units. They are not prepared to face the shame and public humiliation
that is associated with the neighbors finding out.

65. Q 7. Has your perception and attitude changed from your
parents or guardians?

66. I don’t think like my parents
Majority of the youth confirmed that their views were different from those of their parents.
This was true for those whose parents and guardians are bound by the old way of thinking.
“Yes it has because we know the truth and what is right”
25 yr old male
“Parents ni old school. Kitambo bwana akisema ni hivi, ni
hivi, lakini sasa time ime change na these days ukipiga bibi
ni vita” 19yr old male
“ - a journey starts with a step- don’t die in silence. Where
we can help we should help. Our parents are blindly led by
tradition. Some parents don’t want to know what happens in
your marriage/ rship with the man. We also can’t bring up
some topics with our parents coz of the way our parents
have been brought up (cultural rights). Our parents think
that ni ujinga…all the stand up for your rights attitude that
we have.” 25yr old female

67. A few were taught different
For those whose parents hold a positive perspective, the youth still hold on to the values that
they had been taught; and continued to believe that gender violence is wrong.
“My perception won’t change because the way I've been
brought up, my father does to beat my mum so I wont
change from what I know.”
“I think its because of the way I was raised. To know good
from bad. I know it as bad.”

68. Observation
Education especially in the case of the youth aged 19-28years has contributed to the change
in attitude to gender violence and inequality. Life experience has also been a factor, that is,
listening to friends stories and experiencing the violence at some point in their life.
Insight
The youth are beginning to realize that they are the drivers of change in their lives, despite
their parents perceptions.

69. Q 8. Do you know of anyone who has been exposed to
gender violence or inequality? Has this changed you attitude
towards gender violence and inequality.

70. Widely exposed
Everyone had been exposed to gender violence and inequality. They had heard of cases of
gender violence and inequality within their communities and a few of them have had
firsthand experience.
“Kuna mtoi ana somanga kwa shule yetu. Alikuwa amenda
kucheza PS. shakufika usiku mamake alikuwa ameeka kisu
kwa moto sa akahepa. Hata shule hakuji na hajarudi home.”
14yr old male
“.. I had a friend who had been beaten badly, so she came to
me and I didn’t know what to tell her but then I just told her
to let it cool off first then I asked her what the problem was,
the fault wasn’t really hers, it was the guys so I told her to go
sit down the guy and talk to him..” 21yr old female
“Kuna mwingine jana alikuwa kwa news amechapwa mpaka
hajiwezi, amedungwa na uma ya kulima…alafu bwana yake
anampeleka hospitali anamwambia asiseme..ati awaambie
ni wakora wamempiga.”

71. Personal encounters
Two female participants spoke of personal encounters with gender violence.
“Like, I've been raped twice, once when I was five years old and again when I
was thirteen and to me like now I'm just like just there, since like the people
you put so close to you are the people who eventually hurt you completely.
Like, the first person was my cousin, my first cousin. Second person was a
family friend, a very close family friend, like we grew up together. So like right
no I'm just living life because people live it.” 21yr old female
“Mi ni mke nyumbani. Si enjoy juu napigwa kila siku. Ni vile tu niko na smiling
machine. Niko na watoto wawili na ninapigwa kila siku.” 25yr old female

72. Observation
Their attitude has been shaped and changed because of the direct exposure that they have
experienced. They are more aware on what is acceptable and what is not in relationships
and social set ups.

73. Q 9. Are there any campaigns and individuals fighting against
gender violence and inequality? Have they been successful?

74. a) Media campaigns
The grasses identified different media campaigns advocating against gender issues.
Sita Kimya campaign
Sita Kimya was produced
by FilmAid as part of
campaign conducted in
conjunction with APHIA II
and PSI. Through a series
of interlocking narratives
the film deals with issues
of sexual and gender
based violence.

75. Uungwana Initiative
The Uungwana Initiative Campaign geared at
sensitising Kenyans to practice positive
behavioural change in order to have a better
Kenya.
The initiative which aims at using the media to
push the campaign forward, says there are two
main categories of Kenyans, the “muungwana”
who is the responsible Kenyan, and the not so
responsible one dubbed “mshenzi”.
a) Media campaigns

76. b) Community campaigns
Campaign Description
Bluehouse (Mathare) Bluehouse helps people with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.
Carolina for Kibera Programs advance health, education, ethnic cooperation, gender
equality and economic empowerment. They also equip leaders with
tools to strengthen the community.
Uungwana Initiative This is a values, attitude and behavioural change campaign so as to
create harmony and positive growth within the society.
Sita Kimya (prominent in Kibera and
recently launched in Mathare)
Through USAID/Kenya's Women's Justice and Empowerment Initiative,
young men in Kibera challenge each other to reject violent behaviors
towards women.
Community transformers Through servant leadership this organization aims to assist the
community of Mathare in regards to HIVAIDS, malaria, malnutrition
and gender violence.
APHIA II Plus Programs and activities are designed to combat HIV/AIDS, TB,
reproductive health/family planning, malaria and maternal and child
health.
CREW
There are different initiatives within their areas that are addressing gender issues.

77. c) Individuals driving change
There are also individuals who are championing for change as regards gender issues and are
making a difference in their communities.
“Father Calistas, ka umedrop shule sababau ya kukosa fees,
ana kuja ana register in your place”
“Kwa chief, kuna Childrens Officer mwenye anasiadia na
kusimamia watoto wenye wamedhulumiwa na watoto
wasiteswe, wamekataa shule, raped.”
“Afri Love. She listens and has solutions and a good heart.
She empowers people, educating a few orphans and she is
only twenty six.”
“Anne Njogu who stands for people’s right, women and
children.”
Anne Njogu, Director Centre for
Rights Education and Awareness

78. However, there are still
Some challenges..
The female grasses mentioned that they are still some challenges faced inspite of the various
campaigns in their areas. They mentioned lack of adequate knowledge, counter-productive
campaigns and lack of support as barriers to effective assistance.
“According to a few females in the age group 19 -24, some campaigns end up closing shop after the first phase
of the awareness and this contributes greatly to the ignorance within the community.”
“The ignorance level is high. If u are violated you do not where to go. For me I would know what to do or where
to go but so many other women do not know what to do” 23 yr old female
“There are campaigns but the men do not like it at all. They are against the vikundis that the women go for and
may refuse their wives to go for any other meetings. Wanawake wanakuwa na kichwa ngumu.” 26yr old female

79. And barriers to change
Other barriers in the quest for change included religious teachings that advocate for tolerance,
corrupt government officials who impair justice and poor governance on female issues.
“Religious leaders hawasaidii huku…for me ningesema hawasaidii, ukienda kwa pastor atakuambia
uende ukasave marriage yako…uvumilie.”
Religious leaders do not help. when you present your problem to the pastor he tells you
to hold on so that you can save your marriage
“As opposed to having pastors telling women to persevere that God does not encourage
divorces…”YOU’LL BE KILLED!”
“Chief hasaidii…lazima ukuwe na pesa, kuna huyu mama alikuwa anateswa na landlord.
Sasa akienda kureprt kwa chief hakuna kitu alisaidiwa nayo juu chief alikuwa ashaalipwa
na Landlord.”
“Hata kwa bill kwa parliament, ka tuna inequality, in terms of men ni wengi some bills
will be brought and wontbe passed, especially concerning the women.” 23 yr old male

80. Observation
Informal education has greatly shaped their attitudes. What they learn at youth group meetings has
contributed to their change in attitude. A very small percentage of the girls aged 12-15 years have learned
about gender violence through school based clubs.
Campaigns sponsored by the government and donor organizations are the greatest form of informal
education.

81. Q 10. In your personal opinion how would you bring about change
on how people think of gender violence and inequality

82. Communication & dialogue
The older target audience stated that counseling and support groups should be encouraged as
dialogue and open communication would help promote gender unity.
“By having talks, their attitudes can be changed. If the
information is repeated and repeated over a period of time
people may change their views. You can start within your
friend community.”
“I think there are better ways people can communicate,
every relationship has its problems but there should be
dialogue, people should just talk..” 21yr old female
“Usione mwenzako akifanya makosa alafu umwingilie,
umkalishe chini ka ndugu yako muonge.” 25 yr old male

83. Other suggestions
They proposed using numerous avenues to solve issues on gender issues such as media, education
campaigns, job creation and communal accountability.
“..the Nigerian movies have violence and yet it is still being aired in plenty. The impression is what lives in you.
Movies portray what happens in society.” 24yr old male
“Women need to start a small business. Kuuza nyanya, kuuza bhajia or sth simple. Most problems come from
lack of money. We need to try do sth to get a bit of money and not always be asking for money from our
husbands.”
“Creation of a hotline or text message service that will enable people to report any cases.”
“Lack of education is a cause of violence. some mothers say ‘Ukikata kusoma shauri yako, utakuwa
ukigongwa ka mimi’. They tell us to read hard-get a job so you can stand for your rights.”
“Its good to also support the victims, not to brush them aside and be with them even when they are
pressing charges.” 21 yr old male
“ Find a way to deal with the idlers who hang around the neighborhood.”

84. Observation
Informal education has greatly shaped their attitudes. What they learn at youth group meetings has
contributed to their change in attitude. A very small percentage of the girls aged 12-15 years have learned
about gender violence through school based clubs.
Campaigns sponsored by the government and donor organizations are the greatest form of informal
education.

85. In closing, who do you look up to?

86. World changers..
A number of participants mentioned that they look up to people who are changing their communities
by helping people.
“I admire Cecilia Mwangi for the active part she took in
changing and helping people with jiggers and all.”
“I admire Prof Mugenda. Shes made Kenyatta Uni to be Big
and that caters those who cant.”
“Nurse wa Nairobi Hospital, aliniambia alikua na shida ya
roho kama mimi lakini hiyo haikumstop kuendelea na
masomo na kujivunia yeye mwenyewe, aliniambia niendle.”
“Students from Kianda High School who distribute pads and
clothes within the ‘kijiji’ of Kibagare Michigwi.”

87. My parents..
An equally significant number of participants mentioned their parents as their main role models
because of what the parents have managed to achieve.

88. Observation
There are accessible role models who are closer to home and are easier to identify
with – this includes parents and other relatives.

89. Finally,
We have been looking at the story of the perpetrator verses the
victim….
Insight:
The context is the perpetrator. Men and women are the victims. We need
to change the context (schools, governance, poverty etc) to stop
the cycle.

90. Institutions
(church,
school etc)
Community
family
SHE / HE
Consider an outward-in
approach rather
than inward-out
approach.
Current focus on individual

91. Thanks.