Africa: Believe Survivors. Act Now. Goretti's Story, Kenya

25 November 2021
analysis

Nearly 1 in 3 women have experienced violence, globally. In times of crises, the numbers may be even higher. Gender-based violence is the most pervasive violation of human rights, but it is neither natural, nor inevitable. It can and must be prevented. Stopping this violence starts with believing survivors and taking action, every day. Through this special editorial series for the 16 Days of Activism, UN Women showcases the voices of survivors, and the transformative programmes that make real differences.

“In 2001, I came back to [Western Kenya] to bury my husband. In the local culture, if the husband dies, the widow is expected to remain in the family’s homestead,” explains Goretti Ondola. “As part of the family, you’re expected to live with your mother-in-law if you don’t have your own property. But they wouldn’t give me food. Everything I came with from Nairobi – clothes, household items – were taken from me and divided between the family.”

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