Turkana County Government joined the World in celebrating the 16 Days of Victims Against Gender Based (GBV) at Lokichar.

The First Lady Lilian Ekamais who was also the Chief Guest graced the celebrations.

Speaking at the celebrations, CEC for Trade, Gender and Youth Affairs Elizabeth Loote said despite the challenges that both women and girls are going through all over the world, Turkana county will continue addressing her home grown Gender Based Violence issues with assistance from National Government and  Partners.

She pointed out that through her Docket the Government is focused on dealing with early marriage cases being reported in some parts of County, investing in education of young people, women empowerment as measures to counter their vulnerability.

She told the people that the only sure and practical way in looking for a lasting solution to this menace is for all of to own it, do advocacy from our place of work, household level, villages up to County level.

CEC made it clear that the current Youth and women empowerment Fund being applied is open to every women and youth groups to apply but these are loans not grants

The first lady who was the Chief Guest Lilian Ekamais called on both National and County Governments to show joint-strong commitment especially in terms of pooled resources in ensuring that we eradicate all forms of Gender Based Violence in county.

She pleaded with women to also have their own mitigation measures at the household level because these hard economic times could be a major contributor of violence right at home.

Mary Njeri UN women representative said let’s try to end this violence in our society by creating awareness and ensuring all the approaches are participatory.

Justice Joseph Sergon said soon, Lokichar Law court will be operational and will assist in handling cases of Domestic Violence.

County Solicitor Ruth Emanikor asked Development partners to support effort to seek justice for victims of GBV and establish rescue centers a tour health facilities to assist in treating victims of Gender Based Violence.

Other present were the area MCA Lomodo, Gender advisor to the Governor Pheobe Kaaman, Mollen Onderi Deputy Director of Youth & Gender Department,  Chair of Youth and Women Fund Patricia Kebo, partners World Vision, Diocese of Lodwar Caritas, Kenya Red Cross and ADRA.