Terms of Reference for Gender-based Violence Technical Assistance Consultancy Services

Request for gender and gender-based violence (GBV) consultancy services for (i) conducting a gender and GBV baseline assessment, (ii) developing and delivering a GBV awareness and prevention training, and (iii) evaluating end-of-program results. All activities will be focused in northern Kenya in the counties of Isiolo, Marsabit, and Samburu

Background

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant issue in northern Kenya, especially within pastoral communities where economic and social structures are shaped by traditional gender roles. In these areas, women and girls face challenges such as domestic violence, forced marriages, and a lack of decision-making power within households. Factors such as poverty and limited access to resources further exacerbate these issues. However, facilitating economic empowerment, particularly for women, can lead to meaningful changes. By allowing women to participate in income-generating activities like Gum Arabic collection—an alternative to male-dominated activities like livestock management—women can gain greater agency, improve household economic status, and reduce levels of GBV. Moreover, this empowerment helps build community resilience in the face of climate change.

There is concerning disparity in the incidence of gender-based violence (GBV) in certain counties of Kenya compared to the national averages. The baseline assessment shows that the levels of both physical and sexual violence against women in Isiolo, Samburu, and Marsabit counties are significantly higher than those captured in the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS). Specifically, the rates of physical violence in these counties range from 42% to 51%, while sexual violence ranges from 28% to 34%, in contrast to the national averages of 39% for physical violence and 14% for sexual violence. This trend is part of a broader regional disparity, with the former Rift Valley and North Eastern provinces reporting higher GBV rates than other areas in Kenya. For instance, physical violence in the former Rift Valley province stands at 47%, and sexual violence at 18%. Similarly, the former Northeastern province records 44% for physical violence and 10% for sexual violence.

The elevated GBV levels in these regions can be attributed to several interrelated factors:

·         Pastoralist livelihoods and remoteness: The counties under assessment have significant pastoral communities living in remote areas, resulting in limited access to essential services and enforcement of protective laws.

·         Entrenched gender inequalities: Social norms and practices such as early or forced marriages and female genital mutilation are more common, reflecting deeply rooted patriarchal systems.

·         Poverty and limited economic opportunities: High poverty rates and a lack of employment prospects exacerbate women's vulnerability to GBV.

·         Weak institutional frameworks: There are notable deficiencies in the capacity of local law enforcement, health services, and  social welfare systems to effectively prevent and respond to GBV.

Effective interventions would likely require a multidimensional approach involving community iennfgoag@emaencta, cstirae-negtphezn.icngom

institutional capacity, and improving service delivery systems.

Acacia EPZ Limited, a company operating in northern Kenya, sources and exports Gum Arabic, leveraging its expansive network of over 7,000 pastoralists and smallholder farmers. Approximately 66.16% of these suppliers are women, and 53.43% are youth, highlighting Acacia EPZ’s opportunity to effect positive gender dynamics changes through economic empowerment. The initiative, supported by USAID, seeks to integrate economic activities with GBV awareness and prevention strategies, especially focusing on the vulnerable groups in Isiolo, Marsabit, and Samburu counties. By enhancing Acacia EPZ's operations and providing training and support, the organization aims to address food insecurity, GBV, and climate resilience in pastoral communities.

 Download the TOR for more information and the EOI Template