Authors : Ian Wesa Sitati

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 11 - November

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5eybrbm9

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2v9dpwf9

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14292507

Abstract : Femicide, the gendered killing of women, is a pressing issue in Kenya, exacerbated by cultural, institutional, and systemic factors that normalize gender- based violence. This paper examines the interplay between victim blaming and femicide, emphasizing the role of social and legacy media in shaping narratives that justify violence against women. Employing feminist theory and intersectionality, the study explores how patriarchal systems, institutional failures, and intersecting vulnerabilities based on class, sexuality, and disability contribute to the rise of femicide. Through a qualitative analysis of media representations, public discourse, and case studies, this research identifies the structural and cultural dynamics perpetuating victim blaming. It argues for a multi-faceted approach to disrupt these narratives and create pathways toward gender justice. The paper’s findings reveal how societal attitudes, amplified by media, reinforce harmful stereotypes and justify violence, underscoring the urgency of systemic change in Kenya's response to femicide.

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