Can we get it RIGHT?

Access to sanitary facilities is not a norm. It could be overlooked as a ‘mere issue’ but the inequalities that surround it have devastating effects. A 2015 study by WHO and UNICEF indicated that over 21 million people in Kenya, still use unsanitary or shared latrines. Wondering how this should fit in with the #16DaysOfActivism and Gender Based Violence?

Here is the thing, 4 poems in and with each posted piece, I have people in my inbox sharing their own experiences and that of others. In the past few days I have had pangs of sadness, defeat even. Horrific SGBV stories of women, girls, boys and men.

,

She wanted to go to the toilet

Night time

But the one with the key village to the toilet, was nowhere to be seen

Pushed the gate, she went outside

Helped herself

,

There in the dark

Camouflaged

He attacked her

Calling other men to violate

And Isolate her

,

Pushing in her back

Completely removing her from herself

In turns, deflating her

Done, that was it

Shit

!

How is it that these 3 men can be called humans beings?

How is it that they can roam on earth?

How is it that they can own anything on this soil?

How can they even own their own lives?

When their toil is to spoil?

?

How… How?

?

It is the fundamental right for all humanity to have access to basic services. Such inequalities bring to perspective the different dimensions that make women vulnerable to sexual gender based violence. Our governments, leaders, advocacy groups, funders/donors among others need to get it right! Get rid of gender blind infrastructure! Can we?

“The burden of underdeveloped and non-inclusive infrastructure falls disproportionately on vulnerable and marginalized groups, especially women and girls.” Infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women

“Any person who attempts to unlawfully and intentionally commit an act which causes penetration with his or her genital organs is guilty of the offence of attempted rape and is liable upon conviction for imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years but which may be enhanced to imprisonment for life.” Sexual Offence Act Kenya ‘Shall not be less than 5 years!….’ how about, shall not be less than a lifetime?