Echoes Unheard: Confronting Femicide in Kenya


Each day, Kenyan women endure the danger of violence solely because they are women. Femicide or the intentional killing of women, isn’t just a number; it causes great pain and suffering for families and those around them. These stories are not ignored at Echoes Unheard. We aim to give voice to those who have been affected by violence and to help Kenya see the changes it needs. In this article, we consider the sad truths of femicide, relying on the Media Council of Kenya’s report and outline what our initiative is doing to help survivors and commemorate and protect women.

The Reality of Femicide in Kenya

According to the Media Council of Kenya’s report on femicide, thousands of women die each year, most often because of the people they trusted closest. These figures represent women who left their families far too soon. These communities, as well as those living in poverty or the countryside, mean women are likely to suffer with little help. The report calls attention to the main causes: domestic abuse, financial dependence and certain cultural traditions keeping the problem going. However, the data only gives a part of the picture.

Voices Silenced, Yet Unforgotten

Each instance of femicide is followed by a story about a life that was lost and a voice that vanished. We ensure that these voices can be heard at Echoes Unheard. Take Charity Mukami Machira, a procurement officer brutally murdered, allegedly by her husband who left a chilling note

Or Teresa Kemunto, a security guard and mother, beaten to death by her partner with no help from authorities

(more information). These aren’t just names to us; they’re lives that mattered. Through publishing stories on our platform, we bring data to life and make people care by demanding empathy, responsibility and response.These stories are calling attention to the crisis for the sake of change.

The “Echoes Unheard” Initiative

We launched Echoes Unheard to fight femicide in Kenya, to honor the lost and ignite change. Our platform echoesunheard.com is where it all happens:

  • A Memorial Space: An interactive archive where every story is cherished, ensuring victims are remembered as people, not statistics.

  • Resources and Support: Counseling, and community services for survivors and families touched by gender-based violence.

  • Advocacy and Education: Articles, blogs, and expert insights to inform and rally our community.

Since we started, we’ve been a light in the darkness. Our work has sparked conversations, connected survivors to help.

HOW CAN YOU HELP

This isn’t just our fight it’s yours too. Here’s how you can stand with us:

  1. Visit our website: Dive into the stories, learn about the crisis, and see how you can help at EchoesUnheard Kenya

  2. Share the stories: Use your voice to amplify these unheard echoes. Share our posts, talk about femicide, and challenge the norms that let it thrive. tiktok, Instagram

  3. Support survivors: Know someone affected by gender-based violence? Offer your support and point them to our resources.

  4. Demand change: Reach out to your local leaders, join protests, and push for policies that protect women and hold perpetrators accountable. sign the petition 

Together, we can turn these echoes into a roar for justice. #end femicide


Location: Nairobi, Kenya

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