Deloris Jordan Applauds Kenya’s Efforts in Tackling Gender-Based Violence, Calls for Homegrown Solutions

Deloris Jordan Applauds Kenya’s Efforts in Tackling Gender-Based Violence, Calls for Homegrown Solutions

Report by Stella Ranji 

Nairobi, Kenya – Deloris Jordan, the mother of basketball icon Michael Jordan, has commended Kenya's ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV), while emphasizing the need for homegrown, sustainable solutions to address the growing crisis. Jordan, who is currently in Kenya to advocate for the well-being of GBV survivors, made these remarks during the launch of the Kenya Women and Children's Wellness Centre (KWCWC) medical facility in Nairobi.

For over a decade, the KWCWC, an initiative supported by the Jordan family, has provided refuge and support to survivors of gender-based violence. The newly inaugurated medical facility is designed to enhance care for victims, providing both medical and psychological support.

Addressing the gathering, Jordan highlighted the importance of a holistic, family-centered approach to tackling GBV, urging that efforts should not solely focus on women, but also on men and the entire family unit. "I have grown from just focusing on women to all genders because I feel like not only women, but we need men. So when you come to the campus, you see Kenya Women and Children Wellness Family Center—it stands for family. If you can heal the family, you can find growth," Jordan said.

She further urged Kenyans to move beyond talking about the issue in the media and take action. "This is your country, and I’m just a foreign person in your land. What are you going to do?" Jordan challenged the attendees, reinforcing the idea that the fight against GBV should be led by local communities.

Renee Kiamba, a mentor at the center, poignantly addressed the grim reality facing GBV survivors, noting that by the time a victim seeks help, society has often failed them. “When a gender-based violence victim comes into this center, our society has failed. Where they come from is a family that is breaking apart—children witnessing violence, mothers agonizing over their daughters and wondering what went wrong,” Kiamba said.

Dr. Hermes Gichane, the Director of KWCWC, shared alarming statistics about the rise in reported GBV cases across the country. "In 2019, we had about 14,000 cases reported in our health facilities. Last year, that number jumped to 54,000. While better reporting measures have contributed to this increase, the numbers still indicate a growing crisis," Dr. Gichane said.

Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu also called for a united effort to address the issue of GBV. "We call upon each and every one of us to be aware of gender-based violence. It's a very bad thing that is happening to our young people," he remarked.

The new Ksh. 1.3 billion facility, the largest in Kenya dedicated to supporting GBV survivors, boasts over 33 consultation rooms and laboratories. It offers a wide range of services, including antenatal care, immunization, family planning, counseling, emergency care, obstetrics-gynecology, and minor surgical procedures. Additionally, the center will provide legal services, vocational training, financial literacy, reproductive health education, mental health support, and leadership training to help survivors regain independence and rebuild their lives after escaping abusive situations.

This initiative aligns with the World Health Organization's (WHO) statistic that one in three women globally experiences gender-based violence, underscoring the urgency of the fight against this pervasive issue.

As Kenya continues to make strides in tackling gender-based violence, the opening of this new center marks a significant step in providing essential care, support, and long-term solutions to survivors, ensuring they have the tools and resources to recover and thrive.