Confront the Silence on Reproductive Injustices in Kenya - Njeri Wa Migwi's Call to Action

Njeri Wa Migwi, Founder at Usikimye Organisation, Kenya, April 2025:

In Kenya, there is a prevailing sentiment that has become almost an ideological philosophy: "Accept and Move On." This ironic statement is often used to gloss over violence and other terrible vices, urging people to move forward without addressing the underlying issues.

Book: The Havoc of Choice

On a recent April Saturday, Njeri Wa Migwi was honoured to be a panellist at the Read to Resist event, discussing the book Havoc of Choice by Wanjiru Koinange. The book delves into the post-election violence of 2007, examining the choices made by individuals and their far-reaching consequences. It vividly portrays the reality of the events and how a country can come to a standstill, yet attempts to move on without healing the wounds of the past. Njeri was thrilled to share the panel with Ritah Anindo Obonyo, a prominent voice in the SRHR world, and the exceptional author Wanjiru Koinange, who dedicated eight years of research to this book. The event was hosted by the amazing Kui Kabala and supported by Ipas Africa Alliance, highlighting the importance of reproductive justice.

The Need for Introspection

These conversations and introspections are crucial for the country. They serve as a memorial to injustice, reminding Kenyans of what was lost and the importance of addressing past wounds. As a nation, Kenya is still grappling with the revelations from the BBC documentary Blood Parliament. This is another issue that might be swept under the rug with the phrase "Accept and Move On," but hopefully, this will not be the case.

The Silence Around Gender-Based Violence

The devastating effects of silence and stigma around gender-based violence (GBV) are deeply ingrained in Kenyan society. GBV has become systemic, normalised, and entrenched in the country's mores. Kenya stands at a crossroads, needing to examine its history to determine how to move forward and create a better future.

A Call to Action

Just as Havoc of Choice reveals the devastating aftermath of post-election violence, the silence on GBV allows another form of havoc to fester. The voices of survivors are drowned out, perpetuating a cycle of abuse as destructive as any political conflict. Njeri Wa Migwi's call to action emphasises the need for the country to confront these issues head-on, rather than sweeping them under the rug.

Lesson to Learn:

Moving on without addressing past wounds only perpetuates cycles of violence and abuse. It is crucial to confront and heal from these issues to create a better future. Njeri Wa Migwi's story highlights the importance of introspection, conversation, and action in breaking the silence and stigma surrounding gender-based violence and other societal issues.