The Unsettling Reality of Gender-Based Violence in Sports
The world of athletics is often perceived as a hub of excitement, competition, and triumph. However, beneath the surface of this thrilling realm lies a more sinister and disturbing issue: gender-based violence. The recent visit of World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe to Kenya has brought this matter to the forefront, highlighting the need for collective action to combat this scourge. As we delve into the complexities of this problem, it becomes increasingly evident that the fight against gender-based violence is not only a moral imperative but also an essential step towards creating a safe and inclusive environment for athletes to thrive.
The Alarming Rise of Femicide in Kenya
The tragic and high-profile deaths of athletes such as Agnes Tirop and Rebecca Cheptegei have underscored the gravity of gender-based violence in Kenya. Between August and October 2024, over 100 cases of femicide were reported, signaling a disturbing trend that demands urgent attention. The National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and Athletics Kenya have joined forces to conduct a pilot study aimed at addressing these pressing issues, with a specific focus on the athletics community. This collaborative effort has led to the issuance of a report titled 'RESET - END GBV & Femicide Athletes Sectorial Engagement', which provides a comprehensive analysis of the problem and offers actionable recommendations for transformative change.
The Findings: A Sobering Reality
The report's key findings paint a sobering picture of the challenges faced by athletes in Kenya. Financial exploitation, perpetrated by spouses, coaches, and family members, is a pervasive issue, with athletes' lack of financial literacy and dependence on others contributing to this problem. The exploitation of athletes by coaches and other influential figures is another significant concern, with instances of abuse reported across all regions. These abuses include sexual exploitation, emotional manipulation, and control over athletes' careers and personal lives. Furthermore, the lack of awareness about gender-based violence and femicide, including financial abuse and emotional manipulation, hinders athletes' ability to recognize and report these abuses.
The Vulnerability of Young Female Athletes
Young female athletes, particularly those entering camps without adequate support systems, are especially vulnerable to exploitation. Issues such as parental neglect, food insecurity, and lack of mentorship further compound their vulnerability. The report also highlights threats to safety and security, including inadequate access control at training camps, lack of police presence in surrounding areas, and risks associated with travel. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive measures to protect athletes from exploitation and abuse, ensuring that they can pursue their athletic goals without fear of harm or coercion.
A Call to Action: Resourcing and Investing in the Fight Against GBV
The report proposes several strategic recommendations, including resourcing and investing in the fight against GBV and femicide, comprehensive awareness and prevention programs, enhanced financial literacy and empowerment training, strengthened reporting mechanisms and support services, accountability frameworks for coaches and support staff, and enhanced security and safety measures at training camps. These recommendations are crucial in addressing the root causes of GBV and femicide, empowering survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. The World Athletics Council's commitment to campaign against gender-based violence as a priority is a significant step forward, acknowledging the responsibility that extends far beyond the field of play.
The Role of World Athletics in Supporting Female Athletes
World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe has expressed confidence in the stakeholders' understanding of the need to support female athletes and enshrine the results of this work in safeguarding policies. Coe's visit to Kenya has provided an opportunity for firsthand insights into the seminars held across the country to gather information and better understand the recurring themes and vulnerabilities. The collaboration between World Athletics, the Kenyan Government, and Athletics Kenya is crucial in developing the report recommendations into concrete plans. By providing support, raising awareness, and lending skills, World Athletics can play a vital role in supporting female athletes and combating gender-based violence.
The Moral Imperative: Ending GBV and Femicide
The fight to end GBV and femicide is not merely a call to action; it is a moral imperative. As Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary & AG Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, aptly stated, "The fight to end GBV and femicide is not merely a call to action - it is a moral imperative." The report's findings and recommendations serve as a pivotal milestone in collective national efforts to eliminate GBV and femicide, focusing on the athletes' community, who occupy a unique and influential role in shaping society. The implementation of policies, programs, and initiatives that tackle the root causes of GBV while empowering survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope is a significant step forward.
Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment for Athletes
The creation of a safe and inclusive environment for athletes to thrive is essential for their well-being and success. This environment can only be achieved by addressing the issues of GBV and femicide, ensuring that athletes feel protected and supported. The report's recommendations and the collaborative efforts of World Athletics, the Kenyan Government, and Athletics Kenya are crucial in achieving this goal. By working together, we can create a sports ecosystem that values and respects the rights and dignity of all athletes, regardless of their gender or background.
The Way Forward: Collective Action and Accountability
As we move forward, it is essential to recognize that the fight against GBV and femicide requires collective action and accountability. The World Athletics Council's commitment to campaign against gender-based violence as a priority is a significant step forward, but it is only the beginning. We must continue to raise awareness, provide support, and lend our skills to combat this scourge. The recommendations proposed in the report must be implemented, and we must hold ourselves and others accountable for creating a safe and inclusive environment for athletes. Only through collective action and accountability can we hope to eradicate GBV and femicide, ensuring that athletes can pursue their goals without fear of harm or coercion.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The issue of gender-based violence in sports is a complex and disturbing problem that demands urgent attention. The report's findings and recommendations serve as a pivotal milestone in collective national efforts to eliminate GBV and femicide, focusing on the athletes' community. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the need for collective action and accountability. We must work together to create a safe and inclusive environment for athletes, ensuring that they feel protected and supported. The fight against GBV and femicide is a moral imperative, and we must rise to the challenge, providing support, raising awareness, and lending our skills to combat this scourge.
gender based violence in sports, femicide in Kenya, World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe, Agnes Tirop, Rebecca Cheptegei
