The Effects of Gender Based Violence Among Somali Women in Mbalambala Constituency, Garissa County

Abstract

This study investigated the causes and effects of gender-based violence among female members of the Somali community in Balambala constituency, Garissa County, in North-Eastern Kenya. The study had three specific objectives, namely, to identify and discuss the forms of gender-based violence experienced in Balambala Constituency, Garissa County, to analyze the causes of GBV in Balambala Constituency, Garissa County, and to analyze the effects of gender-based discrimination prevalent among women in Balambala Constituency, Garissa County. The theoretical framework used for this study was the differential coercion and social support theory. The research design employed a phenomenological research design, where 50 adult females were interviewed. A snowball sampling technique was used to identify respondents. Data collection entailed the use of in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. These allowed a rich exploration of social dynamics and personal experiences in relation to gender-based violence. The findings revealed a disturbing prevalence of gender-based violence, with participants reporting various forms of violence. These included humiliation, sexual coercion, coercion during pregnancy, use of force or unwanted restrain, and unwanted communications. The experiences of the participants in relation to gender-based violence included complex mix of social, emotional, and psychological challenges. These included social isolation, stigma, and other psychosocial challenges. The effects on the women included physical and emotional injury, economic abuse, and the perpetuation of gender-based violence due to cultural factors that resulted in the marginalization of these women. In lie with the differential coercion and social support theory, this could be explained through the low levels of social support available, which made the participants particularly susceptible to coercion and manipulation. Also, a persistent fear of retaliation, shame and guilt also impeded their willingness or ability to access justice and support services. The study concluded that there was a high prevalence of gender-based violence in the constituency, and this had various adverse physical and psychological impacts on the respondents. The study recommended the need for continued targeted interventions to counter gender-based violence. These included strengthening legal frameworks, intensifying support services, an inclusive approach that involves both genders in prevention efforts, culturally appropriate interventions that resonate with the communities’ norms and values, increased collaborations with local and international stakeholders, and a need to allocate more resources in the fight against gender-based violence. In conclusion, addressing gender-based violence issues required a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach that deals with the root causes of the violence. Recommendations for further study included the need to conduct longitudinal studies that examine the long-term impact of gender-based violence. These studies may also examine the cultural implications of gender-based violence based on a study of the norms and practices that result in the perpetuation of gender-based violence in Mbalambala and similar communities. Finally, there could also be an examination that institute comparative studies between Mbalambala and other regions to examine differences in prevalence and also identify best practices and interventions applicable in different cultural contexts.