Kenya, a country so loved by tourists for its beautiful tropical weather, spectacular coastline, and gorgeous wildlife sceneries, is also known for its impressive array of globally renowned athletes — athletes who have wowed the world again and again with their accolades in track and field internationally.

One such national jewel was long-distance World Athletics Championships medallist, Agnes Tirop. But on Oct. 13, 2021, Tirop, aged 25, was found dead at her home in Iten after she was allegedly stabbed by her husband, who was reported to have phoned his family, “crying and asking for God’s forgiveness for something he had done” following the incident. Ibrahim Rotich, Tirop’s husband and prime suspect in her murder case, pleaded not guilty to the allegations on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021.

Women and girls around the world experience some form of violence on a daily basis, with some meeting a similar fate to Tirop.

Women’s rights are human rights, and they must be protected at all costs. Their rights to safety and autonomy need to be prioritised in order for the world to achieve gender equality. This year marks 30 years of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) — a campaign which runs from Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day.

This 16 Days, we’re asking Global Citizens to join us in standing up and fighting for women’s health and rights. Join our 16 Days Challenge and start taking an action every day to learn more about women’s rights, bodily autonomy, and gender violence online.

To eradicate GBV and to amplify the voices of victims, public figures, activists, and athletes have been using their voices to stand up against the horrific phenomenon. Below, we're highlighting six Kenyans who have spoken up about the violence endured by women and girls on the continent, especially following the country’s loss of Agnes Tirop.

Read the full article about advocating for the protection of women and girls by Gideon Fakomogbon at Global Citizen.