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Mombasa men recognized for efforts against SGBV, championing gender equality

Mwembe Tayari Chief Mohamed Musa among the men who were awarded today under the Male Equality Champion Category. (Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | Friday, March 8, 2024

Men who have been steadfast advocates for gender equality and combating Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Mombasa County were celebrated alongside several women who have made significant impacts in the community.

This recognition took place during the International Women's Day ceremony, organized by the Department of Youth, Gender, Sports, and Social Services.

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Among the 50 individuals recognized were seven men honored under the Male Equality Champion category for their outstanding contributions to the cause.

The men are said to have demonstrated dedication and integrity in their efforts to address SGBV and promote gender equality in Mombasa County and beyond.

One of the awardees, David Odhiambo, a County Court Advocate, was said to have shown exemplary commitment to women's rights by handling cases of defilement with the highest level of integrity, ensuring justice is served.

Hajj Abdulhakim was also commended for his peer-to-peer counselling assistance while handling SGBV cases.

Farhiya Hussein, a journalist, was one of the women honored for their contribution to the community. (Farhiya Hussein)

Mwembe Tayari Chief Mohamed Musa was honored for being at the forefront of advocating for human rights, particularly for children and women in the streets.

“These men, along with others, have played crucial roles in fostering a safer and more equitable environment in Mombasa County,” said Topister Juma, Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) gender officer.

She noted their recognition underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between men and women in addressing SGBV and promoting gender equality.

“It reflects a growing acknowledgement of the diverse contributions made by individuals of all genders in creating positive social change.”

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir at the event. (Farhiya Hussein)

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir emphasized the importance of celebrating women's achievements daily.

"Women's celebration begins at home, at work, and in leadership. According to me, a woman should be celebrated every day. Female leaders here will agree with me that when it comes to suffering and queuing on the day of giving out bursaries, it's mostly mothers. It's rare to find a father queuing for bursaries."

Governor Abdulswamad pledged to include women in the Kazi Mtaani program and expressed pride in the continued contributions of women to society.

“I am challenged by how far they have brought us and I am inspired to work to take them even further. Women are the majority among us and certainly, no society can succeed if more than half of us are held back.

County women representatives Zamzam Mohamed and Likoni MP Mishi Mboko echoed Governor Nassir's sentiments, highlighting the silent battles women face and calling for unity among women to advance gender equality.