Since 1981, women’s rights activists around the world have observed 25th November as a day dedicated to opposing gender-based violence.
The date was chosen in honour of the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 under the orders of dictator Rafael Trujillo. Their legacy is a global reminder that violence against women is also a violation of human rights.
On Tuesday 25th November 2025, the National Police Service (NPS) joined the world in marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The day also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed annually from 25 November to 10 December.
This year’s theme is, “UNITE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”. Online harassment, cyberstalking, exploitation, and coordinated digital attacks increasingly expose women and girls to harm, both online and offline.
These digital threats mirror a broader pattern of unreported Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), where many survivors remain silent due to fear, stigma, shame, or pressure to handle cases outside formal justice systems.
“Through POLICARE, an integrated one-stop model, survivors receive medical services, psycho-social support, forensic care, and professional investigations under one roof. With strengthened centers such as the recently enhanced Nanyuki POLICARE, the NPS continues to expand coordinated and timely responses to SGBV across the country,” reads a post on X by the National Police Service.
Specialized units within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), including the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit (AHTCPU), are pivotal in combating online child exploitation.
These units are guided by Article 53(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 8 of the Children Act, 2022, the Unit ensures child-sensitive investigations aligned with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The NPS is working in collaboration with global partners such as the INTERPOL International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) Database and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). This is to ensure that the perpetrators continue to face justice within the law.
They held a recent SGBV Training of Trainers session at the National Police Leadership Academy. This was made possible with the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) and enabled officers to strengthen their ability to handle cases ethically, and professionally. The training reinforced survivor-centered principles that prioritize their dignity and safety.
As we reflect on the significance of this day, the NPS renews its unwavering commitment to protecting women, girls, and all vulnerable persons from physical, psychological, economic, and digital forms of violence.
But the fight against SGBV cannot be carried by institutions alone. It requires collective action, families, communities, civil society, and individuals all share responsibility.
