On 14th February 2015, CEEC conducted an evaluation of the project Building the capacity of communities in Burnt Forest to prevent and appropriately respond to Gender Based Violence. The evaluation brought together 35 trainees from the eight farms of Kamuyu, Kagongo, Chuiyat, Kaplalach/Rironi, Ndunglu, Lingway, Rukuini and Barakeiywo in Burnt Forest to evaluate the outcome of the project. The trainees shared insights, challenges, lessons learnt, success stories and feedback received from their respective farms
Key learning points
- Flawed socialization lies at the heart of gender based violence.
- It is possible for men to be strong and not use their strength to violate others. Men should use their strength responsibly.
- Both men and women suffer as a result of gender based violence.
- Communication is key in avoiding gender based violence.
- It is important to have gender equality/equity especially in the way children are socialized.
- Alcoholism is a major contributing factor to gender based violence.
Some of the success stories:
- More respect for women
- Women are being more involved in family affairs
- An increased amicable settlement of family disputes
- A number of men confessed that they had cut down on their drinking while others had stopped altogether.
- Many of the trainees informed CEEC that they had now become champions against gender based violence and they were using all available opportunities to sensitize other community members.
- The community has become more alert to cases of gender based violence and they are no longer keeping quiet.
- Families of the trainees have become role models in the community.
The trainees said the project was an idea whose time had come it had hardly scratched the surface. They called on CEEC to ensure that they reach out to as many stakeholders as possible.
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