Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Reproductive Health and Research (SRHR) they are two great enemies in our communities. 30 women from Wayani, Zungu, Jeza B and Maramuni villages in Matuga sub-county had a dialogue at Wayani village with The Hijabi Mentorship Program (THMP) in regards to the above stated issues.

THMP through the support and partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Gates Foundation) initiated a project in Kwale County known as Addressing Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Gender Based Violence (GBV) in underserved communities in Kenya. Women have to realize their rights for an equal future to reduce social inequalities and create a better society.

The women clearly spoke about GBV and SRHR issues in their villages and how it affects them psychologically and physically. Most experienced GBV cases in this areas are;

· Domestic violence

· Sodomization of young boys

· Defilement

· Teenage pregnancies

· Rape and

· Child marriages

Poverty was mentioned to be a major factor leading to early child marriages and increase in prostitution so to cater for family basic needs. The villagers still practice barbaric culture whereby husbands beats their wives claiming to be discipline them. Ignorance and illiteracy has lagged them behind since many women do not know their rights and there is lack of sex education to the children.

It is sad seeing that most GBV cases in the area are handled out of court because of beliefs and practicing harmful cultures. Too much corruption at the police station whereby the cases take too much time before hearing and sometimes the case files disappear before the hearing.

The woman decided it’s a call time and the too much violation going on they have to put a stop to it. They agreed that there is need for children to be educated on SRHR.