Role of the Anglican Church of Kenya in Averting Gender-based Violence: A Case of Diocese of Meru, Kenya

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a severe health and human rights issue that has an impact on people's lives on a personal, family, and community level. Despite the efforts of numerous advocacy groups and organizations, GBV is still a concern in many areas, including the Anglican Church of Kenya, Meru Diocese. This study aimed to assess the role of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) in preventing GBV in Meru Diocese. The specific objectives of this study were to: 

• Examine the role of pastoral care and counselling programmes in ACK in averting GBV within Diocese of Meru, Kenya. 


• Determine the role of conscientization campaigns in ACK in averting GBV within the Diocese of Meru, Kenya. 


• Determine the role of gender-oriented campaigns in ACK in averting GBV within the Diocese of Meru, Kenya.


• Evaluate the role of reconciliation in ACK in averting GBV within the Diocese of Meru, Kenya. 

The study was guided by two theories, namely: the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), which is a social psychological theory that predicts and explains human behaviour in certain contexts. The TPB posits that behaviour is determined by three main factors: intention, perceived behavioural control, and attitudes, and the Conscientization Theory. This theory, reflection and action are the means through which one acquires a critical awareness of social reality. By using this theory, gender-based violence abusers and victims alike would be able to perceive one another's actions as instructive and fully comprehend the contribution of the Anglican Church of Kenya to the averting of gender-based violence. The study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, with both quantitative and qualitative data collected. The quantitative data were collected through a survey of 200 people, including 20 church leaders, 20 men, and 160 women who experienced GBV. The qualitative data were collected through interviews with church leaders and survivors of GBV. The study research instruments were pre-tested before the actual research. It was performed at the East African Presbyterian Church, Isiolo Presbytery. PCEA Isiolo Presbytery has the same characteristics as Anglican Church of Kenya, Diocese of Meru. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented through median, frequencies and percentage. SPSS version 24 was used to analyse the qualitative data, which is presented using tables and charts. The findings of the study have made recommendations on how ACK can effectively prevent GBV in Meru Diocese.