“Addressing Sexual Assault with an Intersectional Lens: Recognizing the Impact of Intersectionality on Women’s Vulnerabilities”

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It is important to understand the scope of sexual assault and how it affects individuals. Section 5 of the Sexual Offences Act, 2006 defines sexual assault as any type of sexual activity or contact that you do not consent to. This can happen through physical force, threats of force, or manipulation of a survivor using drugs.


According to the Sexual Reproduction and Health Rights (SRHR) report released by The African Women’s Development and Communications Network in August 2022, at least 40% of women in Kenya are likely to face physical and/or sexual gender-based violence in their lifetime. This is a staggering statistic that shows the need for urgent action to address sexual assault in our society. It is even more concerning that one in three Kenyan females has experienced an episode of sexual violence before attaining age 18.


However, the vulnerabilities of women are worsened by intersectionality. Intersectionality is the idea that people face multiple forms of oppression and discrimination based on their social identities, such as gender, race, sexual orientation, class, ability, and more. For women, intersectionality means that they face discrimination not only because of their gender but also because of other aspects of their identity.


For example, women who belong to marginalized communities, such as LGBTQ+ women, refugee women, IDPs, and women with disabilities may face multiple forms of oppression that compound their vulnerabilities. On the other hand, women who belong to privileged groups, such as white, heterosexual, cisgender, and able-bodied women, may benefit from certain forms of privilege that shield them from some forms of discrimination.


This complexity means that there is a need for an intersectional approach to advocacy and policymaking in the elimination of sexual assault. An intersectional approach recognizes the diversity of women’s experiences and the ways in which different forms of discrimination intersect and compound. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all policy may not work. For example, a policy that works in Nairobi may fail tremendously in refugee communities in Dadaab and Turkana.


Addressing the vulnerabilities of women in sexual assault from an intersectional lens could see us having policies that address the root causes of discrimination and inequality, such as poverty, racism, and ableism. It could also involve supporting grassroots movements led by women from diverse backgrounds and amplifying their voices and perspectives. Finally, it could mean challenging our own biases and assumptions and recognizing the ways in which we may inadvertently contribute to the marginalization of certain groups of women.


In conclusion, we need to understand the scope of sexual assault and how it affects individuals. We also need to recognize the impact of intersectionality on the vulnerabilities of women and work towards eliminating sexual assault through an intersectional approach that recognizes the diversity of women’s experiences and the ways in which different forms of discrimination intersect and compound. We all have a role to play in creating a world where sexual assault is not tolerated, and women can live their lives without fear.

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