Let's think of a scenerio in Githurai, Kevin is known as a hardworking boda boda rider ule jamaa hustler, hana noma. People see strength when they look at him. What they don’t see is what happens behind closed doors.
At home, Kevin faces constant insults, control, and sometimes physical violence from his partner. His phone is checked. His money is monitored. When he tries to speak up, he’s told, “Wewe ni mwanaume, acha drama.”
So he keeps quiet.
In Kenya, many men experience gender-based violence, especially emotional and psychological abuse from intimate partners. Studies and reports have shown that a significant number of men face GBV, but most cases go unreported due to stigma, shame, and fear of being mocked.
Society has taught men that:
At home, Kevin faces constant insults, control, and sometimes physical violence from his partner. His phone is checked. His money is monitored. When he tries to speak up, he’s told, “Wewe ni mwanaume, acha drama.”
So he keeps quiet.
In Kenya, many men experience gender-based violence, especially emotional and psychological abuse from intimate partners. Studies and reports have shown that a significant number of men face GBV, but most cases go unreported due to stigma, shame, and fear of being mocked.
Society has taught men that:
- Reporting abuse is weakness
- Pain is not allowed
- Silence equals strength
- Silence only makes things worse.
- GBV is not only a women’s issue
- Men experience physical, emotional, and psychological violence
- Cultural expectations keep men silent
- Abuse is about power and control not gender
