By Sharon Onyango
While awareness of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Siaya County stands at 89.3%, the reality remains deeply concerning, with 40% of households reporting at least one form of GBV.
A disturbing case of sexual violence against a 19-year-old woman has once again brought renewed attention to the urgent need for stronger community protection systems, improved access to justice, and enhanced support services for women,boys and girls across the county.
The survivor, who was allegedly drugged and gang-raped by 3 men while returning home from a night vigil,was rescued after nearby mourners heard her screams forcing the attackers to flee. She was later taken to the local Chief for reporting before receiving emergency medical care at Siaya County Referral Hospital where she received emergency medical care and psychosocial support.
The case underscores the impact of the long-standing partnership between Tiko and the County's Department of Health and Sanitation in strengthening timely access to GBV care and survivor support services for young women and girls across the county. Through the partnership, survivors aged 15–24 can access sexual and reproductive health services using the Tiko platform, which helps remove financial barriers through digital support commonly known as “Tiko coins.”
The collaboration has also strengthened referral pathways, integrated trained GBV staff within hospital triage systems, and introduced a toll-free support line, 0800 721 022, to improve access to urgent assistance.
Pauline Okwiri, head of GBV at Siaya County Referral Hospital emphasized the importance of timely intervention and coordinated survivor support and SHA registration, like in this particular case, the survivor was not registered under SHA, forcing healthcare providers to seek a waiver so she could urgently receive medical services within the critical 72-hour intervention window. Okwiri added that many survivors fail to seek treatment due to financial barriers, with lack of SHA registration remaining one of the biggest challenges in accessing immediate GBV care.
Margret Juma encouraged the survivor, communities to use the Tiko platform and toll-free lines to access help without fear or financial burden.
This partnership continues to play a critical role in strengthening survivor-centered care, improving reporting mechanisms, and ensuring vulnerable young women can access life-saving services within the critical 72-hour intervention window.