The Role of Gender-Oriented Campaigns in Anglican Church of Kenya in Averting Gender-Based Violence within the Diocese of Meru, Kenya

Purpose: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global problem that affects individuals of all genders and ages. It occurs in every region of the world and in all types of societies, and has far-reaching and long-lasting impacts on individuals, families, and communities (Violence, 1999). According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three African women may face physical or sexual abuse at some point in their life, and gender-based violence is rife in many countries. In Kenya, one in three women have experienced physical abuse, and one in four have experienced sexual assault, according to a 2019 report from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. In Meru region, GBV is among the highest in the nation in terms of its prevalent. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of gender- oriented campaigns in Anglican Church of Kenya in averting gender-based violence within the Diocese of Meru, Kenya. Methodology: The study utilized mixed-methods approach which were quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data was collected through a survey of 200 people, including 20 church leaders, 20 men, and 160 women who experienced GBV. The qualitative data was collected through interviews with church leaders and survivors of GBV. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and presented through median, frequencies and percentage. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data while SPSS (Scientific package for the social sciences) was used to analyze quantitative data which was presented using tables and charts. Findings: The findings of the study were that sensitization campaigns against GBV, collaboration, Legal Aid and Advocacy in partnership with legal professionals established a more supportive legal framework for survivors of gender-based violence freely or at a low-cost. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The recommendations of the study were on how the ACK can effectively prevent GBV in Meru Diocese.