Women Leaders Lead Fight Against Extremism and GBV in Tana River

July 6, 2026 - Women leaders, local administrators and religious leaders have renewed calls for greater community involvement in preventing violent extremism and combating gender-based violence (GBV), describing women as key agents of peace and resilience within families and communities.

The calls were made during a community dialogue convened by Action Life Kenya in Bula Salama, Hola, under the Mwanamke Imara, Jamii Bora Programme,which seeks to strengthen community resilience, promote social cohesion and empower women to play a leading role in peacebuilding.

The forum brought together the area chief, religious leaders, Mwanamke Imara Champions and women from the local community for discussions on the growing threat of radicalisation, violent extremism and gender-based violence.

Participants examined the factors that make young people vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups, including unemployment, social exclusion, peer influence and exposure to extremist content online.

The meeting emphasized that early intervention through community dialogue, family engagement, peer mentorship and responsible monitoring of young people's online activities can significantly reduce the risk of radicalisation.

Action Life Kenya said empowering women to identify early warning signs of radicalisation is critical because they are often the first caregivers and educators within families.

The organisation noted that women play a central role in nurturing responsible children, promoting positive values and fostering peaceful households, making them indispensable partners in preventing violence before it occurs.

The dialogue also focused on the persistent challenge of gender-based violence, with participants discussing harmful cultural practices and gender norms that continue to expose women and girls to abuse.

Community members examined various forms of GBV, including rape, defilement, female genital mutilation (FGM), emotional, physical, sexual and economic violence, and called for stronger community action to eliminate the practices.

Participants were also sensitised on the GBV reporting and referral process to ensure survivors receive timely medical, legal and psychosocial support.

They urged communities to break the culture of silence surrounding abuse by reporting incidents to the relevant authorities and supporting survivors in seeking justice.

According to Action Life Kenya, strengthening community awareness and improving access to justice are essential in protecting women and girls while promoting accountability for perpetrators.

The organisation said community-led conversations help build trust, strengthen partnerships between residents and local leaders, and improve the capacity of communities to prevent both violent extremism and gender-based violence.

The Mwanamke Imara, Jamii Bora Programme is being implemented by Action Life Kenya in partnership with Search for Common Ground Kenya ,with financial support from Global Affairs Canada.

The initiative seeks to empower women as peace champions while promoting youth engagement, social cohesion and community resilience in counties vulnerable to insecurity and violent extremism.

Tana River County has previously experienced cases of extremist recruitment, particularly among vulnerable youth, prompting government agencies and civil society organisations to invest in community-based prevention programmes that address the root causes of radicalisation.

Stakeholders at the forum expressed optimism that sustained engagement with women, youth, religious leaders and local administrators will strengthen peace, reduce violence and foster more inclusive and resilient communities across the county.

Tana River is among the Northern Frontier Counties affected by youth radicalization.