Ten years ago today, on May 27th 2013, legal history was made: the High Court of Kenya’s 160 Girls decision. The decision, based on the experience of child rape victims aged 3-17 who were denied access to justice, set the high water mark for girls’ rights internationally. The High Court found that the state’s treatment of the girls’ rape claims was discriminatory, and that the state was responsible for the rapes, having created a climate of impunity for rape.
Ten years later, the equality effect is proud to report systemic equality change described as creating “a night and day” difference in the police treatment of defilement claims. The equality effect has spent 10 years, with the National Police Service in Kenya and local communities, working to ensure that existing child rape laws are enforced, and that the 160 Girls decision is brought to life.
Today, 74% of defilement victims in Kenya receive access to justice within 3 months of reporting to police, i.e. the perpetrator is arrested. Ten years ago, the High Court found that the police treatment of defilement cases was unconstitutional and discriminatory in 100% of the 160 Girls cases. In Canada, rape victims experience equivalent access to justice in apx. 30% of cases.
PHOTO BY BRIAN OTIENO/storitellah.com
160 Girls trained police share that the 160 Girls Defilement Investigation course “has enlightened them, on the ignored child defilement and sexual assault cases, and the stigma they undergo in silence.” “My eyes are now wide open. I can assure you that things will never be the same again.”
160 Girls Virtual Justice Club youth leaders share:
“I felt like a super hero, helping other children who had been defiled get justice.” “I made change and one day I will be president of Kenya!”
Please click here to see details of the 160 Girls results to date.
This landmark systemic equality change could not have been achieved without the invaluable support of e²’s volunteers, donors, partners and staff, and without the courage and fortitude of the original 160 Girls, who continue to motivate us.
160 thank you’s and more for your continued support of e² as we improve the 160 Girls access to justice initiative, and make children’s rights real.
