By Juliet Gachee

On March 7^th and 8^th, 2024, Daystar University held a ground-breaking initiative to combat gender-based violence (GBV) through the directorate of ODeL, Director of ODeL Dr. Caroline Ayuya-Muaka, together with Director of Research, Dr. Dinah Keino, Dean, School of Applied Human Sciences, Dr. Kennedy Ongaro and Dean, School of Business and Economics Dr. Laban Chesang.

The event was a collaboration with JICA, aimed to launch a Business Idea Marathon, focusing on addressing the pressing issue of GBV. The event  brought together around 150 participants from the various partners, including postgraduate students, entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, startups, and policymakers.

Organised and sponsored by Daystar University, JICA, the National Gender and Equality Commission, and Nairobi County Government, the  event aimed at increasing awareness about gender-based violence and developing effective business solutions to address GBV as a social concern. According to Dr. Ayuya-Muaka, the worrying rise in femicide, intimate partner violence, child marriage, and other associated concerns has necessitated the need for collective action to combat GBV.

Dr. Ayuya-Muaka emphasised the importance of this effort, underlining the common impact of GBV on women and girls in society. She emphasised the significance of increasing gender equality through economic empowerment in order to solve these serious concerns effectively. The event will provide a platform for stakeholders to interact, develop, and come up with strategies that contribute to the prevention and response of GBV in Kenya.

Additionally, the Business Idea Marathon will allow PhD Community Development students from Daystar University to apply their skills and knowledge to propose new ways to prevent GBV. Participating in this event will not only help to combat GBV, but will also pave the way for future projects in collaboration with the commercial sector.

This collaborative endeavour demonstrates a common commitment to creating a safer and fairer society for all. Stakeholders may make a significant difference in solving the complex issues posed by GBV by working together and thinking creatively.