A campaign against violence: USAID / Kenya funds "Breaking the Silence"

From November 25 to December 10, 1996, USAID/Kenya supported 16 days of activism against gender violence. Called "Breaking the Silence," this annual national campaign was aimed at raising awareness of the rising level of violence against women in Kenya. At meeting places around the country, the campaign, organized by the Coalition on Violence Against Women/Kenya and partially funded by USAID/Kenya, brought together hundreds of participants for a dialogue about gender-based violence. Speakers sought to debunk the myths surrounding violence, including the tendency to blame the victims of gender violence. Victims of violence described their treatment at the hands of abusers. Information brochures discussing domestic battery, wife killing, incest, and other forms of violence against women were distributed. USAID/Kenya has provided funding for this coalition since 1995.