NAIROBI, Kenya, March 8, 2025 – In a transfer to fight the rising disaster of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in Kenya, Polycom Girls, in collaboration with United Nations Foundation Population Fund Kenya (UNFPA), marked International Women’s Day with a Taekwondo self-defense coaching session aimed toward empowering younger women with very important security abilities.
The occasion, held at Rowland Camp beneath the theme ‘Accelerate Action’, introduced collectively 120 adolescent women who realized self-defense methods to assist them defend themselves in threatening conditions.
Kenya has witnessed alarming charges of GBV and femicide, with Africa Data Hub recording 127 femicide instances up to now yr and the 2024 Kenya safety Report documenting over 7, 100 GBV incidents since September 2023.
In response, the Kenyan authorities not too long ago shaped a particular committee to handle the escalating violence.
Polycom Girls founder, Jane Anyango, emphasised the significance of empowering women with self-protection abilities.
“We are creating a space where girls can learn to take care of themselves, say no to violence, and advocate for their safety,” mentioned Anyango.
UNFPA Kenya’s GBV and Gender Advisor, Caroline Murgor cited the group’s ‘Sports for Protection’ program, which educates younger individuals on GBV prevention whereas encouraging them to change into change-makers of their communities.
“By equipping girls with self-defense skills, we are not only helping them stay safe but also fostering a culture where they can stand strong against violence,” Murgor said.
Self-defense coach Caroline Ambani burdened that studying these abilities is much less about combating and extra about constructing confidence and consciousness.
“Femicide is rampant, and self-defense equips girls with crucial tools to protect themselves and stay safe,” Ambani famous.
UNFPA Deputy Representative, Pilar de la Corte Molina, underscored the necessity for a broader method to finish GBV.
“While self-defense training is key, the ultimate solution lies in policy-making, community engagement, and ensuring women and girls are treated equally,” she remarked.
Educators like Daniel Ochieng Maboso urged colleges to include self-defense into their curriculums, emphasizing that younger women face a number of dangers, from unsafe residence environments to cultural limitations.