Kenya (MNN) — Femicide – the murder of women and girls – is a growing problem in Kenya. Kenya’s President William Ruto recently pledged he will be providing police with more resources to put a stop to it.
(Photo courtesy of Ian Kiragu/Unsplash)
Nehemiah with FMI says the statistics paint a grim picture. “According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, cases of violence against women have risen significantly in recent years with 159 reported cases of deaths, with many incidents escalating to femicide.”
Those are just the reported cases. “Activists point out that social attitudes often blame victims, further discouraging women from seeking help,” Nehemiah says. “So we see many unreported cases in society.”
FMI models a biblical approach, elevating and supporting women in Kenya. “Our partners are engaging with our sisters on the ground, and they’re involving them in the ministry.
“We are praying, and we are talking on the different projects where we can engage our sisters to start some small cottage industries where they can grow and they can make a little money.”
Nehemiah adds, “Initially, the Church was unaware or had no idea how to respond to this situation…. But now we can see that the Church is standing and now the Church leaders are raising their voice as well. They have become an echo for the victims.”
Pray for justice and for Kenyan women to know their worth in Christ.
Header photo courtesy of Ethan McArthur/Unsplash.
