KISUMU, Kenya July 12— Kisumu County Member of Parliament Ruth Odinga has taken a bold stand against the escalating crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide,by unveiling a sweeping grassroots initiative that positions Generation Z at the heart of the movement.
Dubbed “Gen Z Against GBV,” the campaign aims to mobilize college and university students as frontline ambassadors in combating the entrenched scourge of violence against women and girls.
The program was officially launched at the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) in Kisumu on Friday, drawing students, activists, and community leaders.
“We must mainstream young people into matters of national importance—leadership, advocacy, and social change. If we intend to build a better society, we cannot afford to leave them behind,” declared Odinga.
The campaign adopts an inclusive approach, targeting both young men and women to emphasize shared responsibility in eradicating GBV within relationships, marriages, and broader society.
Odinga stressed that engaging youth in problem-solving fosters a culture of accountability and proactive change.
“The future belongs to young people. By involving them now, we’re shaping a society that rejects violence and champions equality,” she asserted.
Beyond activism, the lawmaker challenged higher learning institutions to institutionalize GBV awareness by integrating it into academic curricula.
“Education must go beyond textbooks. We need dedicated courses that tackle femicide and GBV head-on to uproot this vice permanently,” she urged.
The launch comes amid a wave of nationwide, youth-led protests demanding government accountability and systemic reforms a movement Odinga praised while urging strategic engagement.
“Align yourselves with mentors in business, leadership, and career growth, but remember: real change begins when we all take responsibility,” she advised.
Reaffirming her commitment to youth empowerment, Odinga highlighted her ongoing bursary program, which currently supports over 300 students across Kisumu County.
“With this move, we’re not just fighting GBV, we’re empowering a generation to lead the charge,” she concluded, signaling a long-term vision for intergenerational collaboration in social justice.
