Towards Dismantling Patriarchy in the Kibera Slum, Kenya: Narrative Accounts of Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Kibera is the largest informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, and Africa’s largest urban informal settlement. It is a community plagued by poverty and unemployment. In response to the social disorganization common to informal settlements, criminal activity is rampant, particularly in assault and sexual violence cases. Patriarchal beliefs fuel power imbalances which consequently perpetuate violence. Kenyan societies tend to be traditionally patriarchal and characterized by male privilege and female subservience. This article explores the narrative accounts of female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) to overcome patriarchy in Kibera, Kenya. Through a qualitative inquiry, 32 female victims of IPV were interviewed, and the data obtained were thematically analysed. The findings established that patriarchy is sustained in Kibera through control, dominance and violence. Additionally, salient partakers in advancing patriarchy are family structures and authorities. Moreover, strategies to dismantle patriarchy and IPV are proposed through these narrative accounts.

Towards Dismantling Patriarchy in the Kibera Slum, Kenya: Narrative Accounts of Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

“…The paper forms part of a larger study conducted by the first author (Kariuki 2021). The paper sought to explore and describe the narrative accounts of female victims of IPV as a means to overcome patriarchy in the Kibera slum, Kenya.…”

“…Graham and Brickell (2019) believe that victims of IPV should always be consulted about initiatives to restore their safety and security. Thus, based on the findings of the larger study (Kariuki 2021) as well as the recommendations put forth by the participants, as a point of departure, the local community of Kibera can partner with victims of IPV through the following initiatives: Hosting community workshops to break down patriarchal and harmful cultural belief structures and ideologies. Widespread marketing campaigns against IPV and patriarchal structures. Development of safe community forums (inclusive of men and women) to assist victims of IPV. Partnership with local authoritative role players on how they can effectively support and service victims of IPV. Conflict management courses should be introduced, and participation encouraged for men and women. Empowerment and awareness campaigns for young boys and girls explicitly detailing the harmful effects of patriarchy and IPV. Economic empowerment of women through government incentives for businesses and opportunities for employment. Use of government and religious institutions to create awareness of the adverse effects of IPV. …”