The Government is now looking towards a partnership with the church in the western part of Kenya in an effort to deal with gender-based violence and empowering women economically.

Speaking in Vihiga County Friday, August 29, the President’s Advisor on Women Rights Harriette Chiggai noted that the church was a critical foundation for the government as it reaches most women in the rural set up and thus, their involvement in advancing government agenda plays into building the society.

According to Chiggai, Western Kenya is among regions leading in gender-based violence, noting that reports produced on GBV were not necessarily the solution to dealing with the issue, but periodic training, counselling and empowerment activities that would help reduce conflict at home.

Consequently, the Government says there is need for protecting widows who are looked down upon in society to the extent that some are chased from their matrimonial homes immediately their husbands die.

Chiggai is calling for their prompt protection by all relevant government agencies without discrimination.

Arch.Bishop John Chabuga, the leader of the Africa Divine Church, Boyani, Vihiga, notes that the church has prioritized empowerment programmes for women in the church and the support from the government would be a shot in the arm, considering that most women who concentrate on activities that keep them busy and bring an income, reduce points of conflict at home.

The church hosted about 2500 women leaders at the Africa Divine Church headquarters in Boyani, Vihiga county for four days of prayers and economic empowerment training from the 24th – 28th of August.