Within the wake of the murders of Agnes Tirop and Rebecca Cheptegei by their intimate companions, Athletics Kenya launched a motion on Monday to battle again in opposition to gender-based violence (GBV). A brand new hotline was unveiled for athletes to confidentially report circumstances of GBV, whereas an engagement marketing campaign strikes throughout Kenya to encourage athletes to talk up and to boost consciousness for monetary exploitation.
Rose Angira, CEC, Sports activities and Gender, Nandi County
I urge everybody to interrupt the silence about GBV. It thrives in our silence and reluctance to talk out. Dignity of ladies and ladies should be protected.#RESET #KenyaEndGBV #ExpandPowerBase @ViridianaWasike @NGAAF_KE @SusanKKamau pic.twitter.com/ZO2mnAB8DN— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) November 7, 2024
Tirop, World Championships 10,000 bronze medallist, was murdered by her husband in 2021, giving rise to the creation of Tirop’s Angels, a corporation preventing GBV. Excessive-profile feminine athletes, nevertheless, continued to fall sufferer to males; in September 2024, Cheptegei, who ran the Paris 2024 marathon, died after reportedly being set on hearth by her ex-partner.
Working at the side of the Nationwide Authorities Affirmative Motion Fund (NGAAF), Athletics Kenya addresses how lack of communication has been a major impediment within the battle in opposition to GBV. The hotline will permit athletes to name for assist when at risk of GBV, whereas a chatbot will allow them ship an SOS.
“We are going to battle it the identical means we’re doing with doping.”
“GBV is completely unacceptable in our society in addition to in athletics,” Athletic Kenya’s Chief Administrative Officer Susan Kamau mentioned. “As Athletics Kenya, we’re completely dedicated to eradicating GBV and we’ll battle it the identical means we’re doing with doping.” In 2023, the Kenyan authorities dedicated to rebuilding their anti-doping program and elevated the frequency of random drug testing. Athletics Kenya hopes {that a} protected and confidential channel for reporting GBV incidents will encourage girls and ladies to talk up.
The notice marketing campaign, already in movement, has been shifting throughout the nation all week, internet hosting boards at athletics camps. This system permits runners to share their tales and strategies to cease GBV, and options feminine leaders as audio system to teach athletes.
Janeth Jepkosgei, @Olympics 800m silver
“Upcoming athletes, be cautious of predators who fake to be coaches, get right into a relationship with younger athletes who’re the identical age as their daughters.That is disheartening and may cease.”#RESET #KenyaEndGBV #ExpandPowerBase@NGAAF_KE pic.twitter.com/poHP0F3bF3— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) November 7, 2024
Elevating consciousness of economic exploitation, in addition to GBV
Excessive-profile athletes, together with two-time 800m world champion and 2007 Olympic silver medallist, Janeth Jepkosgei, have additionally highlighted the connection between monetary exploitation of athletes and GBV. “Be cautious of predators who fake to be coaches and get right into a relationship with younger athletes who’re the identical age as their daughters,” Jepkosgei mentioned, talking at Thursday’s discussion board in Kapsabet, Kenya.
Talking at an earlier occasion, Lucy Kabuu, 2006 Commonwealth Video games champion and two-time Olympian, emphasised the identical message. Not too long ago, the athlete has been defending herself in courtroom in opposition to her ex-husband and coach, who’s attempting to say her earnings. “Whenever you begin operating and making a living, watch out to not fall into the lure of unscrupulous coaches and managers,” Kabuu mentioned. “You can purchase properties in your identify and never in another individual’s identify. Get a monetary adviser that will help you make investments properly. Be taught from me and what I’m going by way of; don’t wait to be taught from one other individual.”
1997 World 10,000m champion Sally Barsosio echoed Kabul’s recommendation. Different profitable runners which might be actively elevating consciousness for GBV embody seven-time World Marathon Main champion Mary Keitany, six-time World Marathon Main champion, two-time world champion and two-time Olympic silver medallist Catherine Ndereba, 2013 world champion, Diamond League champion and Olympic medallist Milcah Chemos and 2021 TCS New York Metropolis Marathon silver medallist, Olympian and founding father of Tirop’s Angels, Viola Cheptoo.
