STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING STAKEHOLDERS IN GENDER BASED VIOLENCE RESPONSE
Today the Department of Health and that of Social Welfare in partnership with JHPIEGO and HJFMRI-Walter Reed spearheaded a meeting for Combating Gender-Based Violence – a critical step towards comprehensively eradicating GBV in Nandi.
Key stakeholders from national and regional levels, including representatives from government agencies, civil society organisations, academia, media, and the private sector, all attended the meeting. 
The meeting engaged participants to Combating Gender Based Violence, sharing data and trends in the uptake of GBV services among key stakeholders, discuss barriers to attainment of respective targets, increase GBV case identification, develop actionable remediation plans and areas of synergies and collaboration. Furthermore, it encouraged the exchange of information and best practices in GBV prevention and response, with an emphasis on the implementation of cross-sectoral programs and policies related to GBV prevention and response.
Focusing on preventing GBV and safeguarding the rights of women and girls, Combating Gender Based Violence (GBV) meeting (s) seeks to enhance coordination and service provision mechanisms. Additionally, it aims to engage communities in preventing and responding to GBV while improving data systems to inform evidence-based policies and programming.
Speaking during the meeting, Nandi County GBV Coordinator Abigael Jepkoech said that GBV is not only a violation of human rights but also a barrier to achieving sustainable development and gender equality. Through investing in prevention, response, and mitigation, we uphold survivors’ rights and foster inclusive societies, requiring collective action and sustained commitment.
The meeting also identified ways to improve sustainability across government, society, and systems. This includes enhancing sub county coordination and accountability mechanisms and strengthening institutional systems to ensure effective and coordinated GBV work continues.
Abigael Jepkoech, County GBV Coordinator
The persons present were George Ondonga – County Director for State Department of Gender, Dominic Tullo Director for Gender and Social Welfare Nandi County, Nandi Central Assistant County Commissioner, HJFMRI-Walter Reed led by GBV Coordinator John Mokaya.