BY MERCY MUTHEU
It is sad how femicide these days occurs like a normality. The rate at which these incidents occur is horrifying, threatening the future if nothing is done.
Recently, a family in Ruai continues to seek justice after the death of their daughter following an alleged assault at Mombasa Road club. These incidents don’t just end lives – they shatter dreams and promising futures of prospective leaders and great women in the society.
However, we must act fast to put an end to this and prevent any more damage. Girls and women need empowerment to gear their minds towards being financially independent rather than relying on men to pay their bills.
They need to look for jobs and work instead of using men as an escape route from poverty. Also they need to be empowered to know their worth and respect themselves and their bodies.
By knowing their value they will not allow themselves to be subjected to some disrespectful and demeaning situations just for money.
Besides that, they need to learn to be content with whatever they have. The desire to have more than they can afford has driven many to entangle themselves with their killers ending their lives miserably. However aside empowering our ladies, both men and women need to be educated on mental health and how to act under pressure.
They need to be taught that resulting to violence when angry and upset will not solve the misunderstanding but rather create more. A single reckless action taken in a moment of anger can change one’s life completely leading to long life regrets.
Although dealing with their mental health is very important it is also good to advice and empower them financially. By having talks on businesses they can start and earn a living from, skills they can learn and use to generate income and financial literacy.
Aside from money, they need to learn how to invest to multiply their finances because without knowing how to handle finances one can live a stagnant life despite having a good income.
The government has a role to play. They need to come up with projects that will train girls on various skills which they can learn and benefit from financially.
They must bring justice to light by apprehending culprits of femicide and punishing them according to the law. The law should however not just act for a few but for all irrespective of their power or position. However before legal actions are taken proper investigations should be carried out to avoid putting innocent souls behind bars.
By addressing the financial challenges and mental issues related to femicide, more lives can be saved and promising futures secured.
Together let’s restore dignity and respect among our women and protect lives.
(The writer is a student at Rongo University)
