Breaking the Silence: Milkah Chemos Calls for Action to End GBV in Athletics
Introduction
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has become a critical issue in sports, with athletes, particularly young ones, facing multiple forms of abuse. Former world athletics champion, Milkah Chemos, has stepped forward to shine a light on this pressing issue. Speaking passionately about the plight of athletes, Chemos revealed the harsh realities they face, from financial exploitation to physical and emotional abuse.
Her message is clear: “We have seen the extreme effects of GBV — even murder.” This chilling reality demands an urgent response. In her call to action, Chemos urges athletes, stakeholders, and communities to break the cycle of silence, protect young athletes, and strengthen systems that support victims of GBV.
This article unpacks Chemos’ powerful interview, her call to action, and the measures that Athletics Kenya and other stakeholders are putting in place to address GBV in sports.
The Reality of GBV in Athletics
Milkah Chemos revealed that GBV in athletics goes beyond physical abuse. It includes financial exploitation, emotional manipulation, and social isolation. The most extreme consequence is loss of life, as cases of athletes dying by suicide or being murdered due to domestic disputes have been reported.
She highlighted the following critical issues affecting athletes:
- Young Athletes are Vulnerable: Many young athletes are targeted by coaches, trainers, and partners due to their inexperience and lack of knowledge about their rights.
- Exploitation of Winnings: Some coaches and partners pressure athletes to hand over their prize money or share their winnings, leaving athletes financially insecure.
- Social Pressure: Public attention and societal expectations place athletes under intense pressure, sometimes leading to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.
- Suicide Cases: Chemos referenced an incident where an athlete allegedly died by suicide due to unresolved family issues, highlighting the need for mental health support.
These issues require an urgent, multi-stakeholder response, with Athletics Kenya and NGAAF leading the charge.
Key Causes of GBV in Athletics
Chemos explained that GBV in athletics arises from several systemic and cultural issues, including:
1️⃣ Power Imbalance: Coaches, trainers, and spouses may wield too much influence over athletes, exploiting this position for financial or emotional gain.
2️⃣ Lack of Knowledge and Awareness: Young athletes often lack information on their rights and the proper avenues to report abuse.
3️⃣ Cultural Norms: Societal expectations discourage victims from speaking out, forcing them to suffer in silence.
4️⃣ Limited Access to Support: While Athletics Kenya has established a GBV office, many athletes remain unaware of its existence or the support services it provides.
5️⃣ Social Pressure and Isolation: Public scrutiny of athletes’ personal lives increases stress, and the lack of social support exacerbates the situation.
Milkah Chemos’ Call to Action
Chemos issued a clear message to young athletes: “Speak out and seek help!” She emphasized that silence only allows the abuse to continue. She advised athletes to:
�� 1. Report Any Threats or Abuse
“If someone threatens you, report it,” Chemos firmly stated.
She highlighted that athletes have access to the Athletics Kenya GBV Office as a safe space where they can report abuse, threats, and exploitation. Athletes are encouraged to speak out to older athletes, trusted friends, and community leaders.
�� 2. Say No to Financial Exploitation
Chemos urged athletes to be in full control of their finances and never hand over their winnings to coaches or spouses. Financial independence is a key tool for safeguarding athletes from exploitation.
“Athletes should not give their winnings to coaches or family members,” she advised.
To address this issue, NGAAF and Athletics Kenya have partnered with Equity Bank to train athletes on financial literacy and money management. This training empowers athletes to take charge of their financial future and reduces the likelihood of financial abuse.
�� 3. Build Personal Boundaries
Chemos advised athletes to create clear boundaries in their personal lives. She noted that athletes often allow partners, coaches, and managers too much control over their lives and decisions.
“You need to make your own decisions,” she stressed.
Athletes should remain firm in their beliefs, values, and principles. If a partner, coach, or friend does not align with their personal goals and values, it is okay to let them go. Personal boundaries protect athletes from psychological, emotional, and financial abuse.
�� 4. Mental Health Awareness
The issue of suicide among athletes also took center stage in Chemos’ message. She referenced an athlete who allegedly died by suicide, possibly due to unresolved family issues. This highlighted the urgent need for mental health support and counseling for athletes.
“There is a lot of social pressure, leading to depression and lack of motivation to train and compete,” Chemos said.
Athletes are advised to seek help from older athletes, trusted friends, and professional counselors. Athletics Kenya’s GBV Office also offers mental health support to affected athletes.
Stakeholder Interventions
Athletics Kenya has taken concrete steps to combat GBV by establishing a dedicated GBV Office that supports athletes facing abuse. This office provides a confidential and safe space where athletes can report abuse, seek counseling, and get legal guidance.
NGAAF (National Government Affirmative Action Fund) has partnered with organizations like Equity Bank to address financial exploitation in athletics. Through financial literacy programs, athletes are empowered to manage their winnings, protect their investments, and avoid becoming victims of financial abuse.
Role of Coaches and Community Leaders
Coaches and community leaders have been called to action as well. Chemos advised coaches to prioritize the well-being of athletes, especially young athletes who are still learning to navigate their careers. She called on older athletes to become mentors and role models for younger athletes, offering guidance on how to handle relationships, finances, and societal pressures.
What Athletes Can Do to Protect Themselves
Based on Chemos’ advice, here’s a practical guide for athletes on how to protect themselves from GBV and other forms of exploitation:
1️⃣ Take Charge of Your Finances: Do not hand over your winnings to coaches, partners, or friends. Seek financial advice from legitimate institutions like Equity Bank.
2️⃣ Set Clear Boundaries: Learn to say “NO” when faced with unreasonable demands. Surround yourself with people who respect your personal values and goals.
3️⃣ Report Threats and Abuse: Use the Athletics Kenya GBV Office as a resource. Report any threats, abuse, or attempts at exploitation.
4️⃣ Prioritize Mental Health: Recognize the signs of anxiety, depression, and social pressure. Seek help from counselors, mental health professionals, or older athletes.
5️⃣ Do Not Suffer in Silence: Speak out to trusted people such as family, older athletes, religious leaders, or community leaders. If in danger, call Kenya’s GBV Hotline: +254 701 116 116.
Milkah Chemos’ Final Message to Athletes
Milkah Chemos concluded her interview with an empowering message to athletes affected by GBV.
“You will not be the first or the last to face this. Do not be silent.”
Her message was clear: abuse should never be normalized. She encouraged athletes to prioritize their well-being, set personal boundaries, and seek help when needed. Chemos called on stakeholders, including Athletics Kenya, NGAAF, coaches, and sponsors, to protect young athletes from exploitation, abuse, and manipulation.
Conclusion
Milkah Chemos’ interview underscores the urgent need to address GBV in athletics. Her powerful call to action focuses on empowering athletes to speak out, protect their finances, and prioritize their mental health.
NGAAF, Athletics Kenya, and Equity Bank are already working to create safer environments for athletes. By providing financial literacy training, mental health support, and confidential reporting systems, they are helping athletes overcome the challenges of GBV.
This issue goes beyond sports. It’s about human dignity, human rights, and the well-being of young people whose lives and futures are at stake. Chemos’ message calls on all stakeholders to join forces in the fight to End GBV in Athletics.
Where to Get Help
If you are an athlete or know someone facing GBV, here are resources to reach out to:
�� GBV Hotline: +254 701 116 116
�� Athletics Kenya GBV Office — Confidential reporting and support.
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