The Gender Monitoring Office, this week, released a report indicating that ignorance of the laws and lack of awareness  of individual rights are among the challenges that are slowing down e efforts to eliminate Gender Based Violence in communities throughout the country.

While remarkable progress has been registered, reports of cases of abuse, mainly from rural communities, still appear in the media more often than not.

It is evident that there are people who are not aware that GBV is punishable by law or what their rights are, especially women and children, who are many a time, the victims.

To bring an end to this trend, it is imperative that sensitization campaigns are not only continued but increased. The campaigns should enlighten the people about the law, as well as the various manifestations of Gender Based Violence and what victims should do.

The fear to bring cases of abuse forward has also been an obstacle, however, with increased awareness, there is no doubt that victims will be more confident to speak out against all forms of abuse.

The Government has demonstrated commitment to eliminate the vice, with various institutions setting up gender desks to raise awareness and monitor cases of abuse.

With the existing strong legislation and concerted efforts by the various players, especially local leaders, Gender Based Violence can be done away with once and for all.

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