Why Valentine is a Dark Day for Senator Crystal Asige
This year, Crystal Asige, the Nominated Senator, has chosen not to partake in Valentine’s Day festivities.
The singer turned political figure conveyed that this Valentine’s Day carries a melancholic undertone for her. She pointed to recent instances of homicide that diminish the true spirit of love, which ideally should be the central focus of this occasion.
“This is Valentine’s Day, a time to celebrate love, romance and relationships, but this year, in the wake of hate crimes and brutal killings of women we have sadly seen love sharply overshadowed by fear, violence and death in Kenya,” Senator Asige said.
In her declaration, the Senator expressed that the color red, traditionally linked with romance, has regrettably diminished in its significance.
“Why is it that as women, our love and femininity are adorned and sought after by men, yet persecuted and oppressed in equal measure by the same men? Red used to be for love, but now it has turned into blood,” she said.
Ms. Asige, as a member of parliament, has taken a stand against femicide in society.
Additionally, she is set to take the stage tonight at the University of Nairobi to honor those who lost their lives in the name of love. This event will witness female parliamentarians donning black attire as a tribute.
“I am standing in solidarity with all of the women we have loved and lost to femicide by leading women parliamentarians to wear black, raising a motion of adjournment in Parliament and hosting a vigil concert at UoN tonight in memory of them.”
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“I want to use my artistic side to make a strong statement and will be releasing a series of art-vism images and a brand new music video encouraging women to turn their scars into empowering stories. Today is a ‘Dark Valentine’.
The country expressed strong disapproval of the recent murder cases, with leaders urging the apprehension of those responsible.
The Kenyan government has pledged to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) by 2026 as it co-leads the Generation Equality Action Coalition globally. Kenya possesses comprehensive legislation against GBV, and the enforcement of these laws could notably diminish such instances of violence.
UN Women is spearheading various efforts in Kenya aimed at thwarting femicide and gender-based violence. This includes providing specialized training to law enforcement officers.
These initiatives educate law enforcement personnel on identifying indicators of possible femicide and understanding the specific obstacles women encounter. Additionally, they advocate for a victim-focused approach in policing.
UN Women has trained more than 600 officers from the Kenya National Police Service and the National Transport and Safety Authority, as well as members of the informal transport sector.
Why Valentine is a Dark Day for Senator Crystal Asige