Empowering Athletes for a Better Future Free From GBV
Introduction
Kenya’s status as a global athletics powerhouse is undeniable, but behind the medals and trophies lies a growing concern — Gender-Based Violence (GBV) affecting athletes.
GBV in Athletics: The Hidden Struggle
According to John Kimeto, GBV has been a persistent issue affecting Kenyan athletes, especially those in the limelight. While their success on the track is celebrated, their private lives often tell a different story. The fame, wealth, and influence that come with athletic success can lead to power imbalances, making athletes more susceptible to exploitation, abuse, and manipulation.
“Athletes in the limelight are the most affected,” says Kimeto. He explains that the visibility and financial success of top-performing athletes make them more vulnerable to exploitation from those who see them as a source of wealth or control.
To address this, Athletics Kenya launched a GBV prevention program in 2021, with support from the Kenyan government through NGAAF. This collaboration seeks to protect athletes from GBV while also equipping them with essential life skills.
Empowering Athletes Through Financial Literacy and Education
Kimeto points out that financial management and investment are major challenges for athletes, especially those from humble beginnings. Many athletes lack financial literacy and are at risk of being exploited by individuals who manipulate them financially. Poor financial decisions can trigger stress, family conflict, and, in extreme cases, domestic violence.
To address this, NGAAF partnered with Equity Bank to provide financial literacy training for athletes. These training sessions equip athletes with knowledge about saving, investing, and managing their money responsibly. Kimeto is grateful for NGAAF’s role in bringing Equity Bank on board, as it has helped athletes secure their financial future and avoid dependence on third parties.
“Illiteracy has really affected how athletes approach financial management and GBV issues,” Kimeto emphasizes. He notes that by educating athletes on their rights and responsibilities, they are better able to protect themselves and their families from exploitation.
Upholding the Values of the Kenyan Constitution
Kimeto believes that the fight against GBV in athletics requires a shift in societal values. He emphasizes that we must revisit the values enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution, which promote human dignity, equality, and social justice. By practicing these values, Kenya can build a society where everyone, including athletes, is treated with respect and fairness.
“We should bring society to the way it should be,” Kimeto says. He stresses that societal transformation is only possible if every member of the community upholds these values and takes action to protect those at risk.
Kimeto’s 5 Key Lessons for Athletes
As a mentor and executive at Athletics Kenya, John Kimeto shares five key lessons for athletes to protect themselves from GBV and maintain healthy family and community relationships:
1️⃣ Put God First
Kimeto encourages athletes to place God at the center of their lives, both on and off the track. “Out of God, there is love, unity, and Godly cohesion in the family,” he says. By embracing spiritual values, athletes can build homes and communities rooted in love and unity. This, in turn, creates a safe space for open dialogue and understanding.
2️⃣ Understand One Another
A critical lesson from Kimeto’s interview is the need for mutual understanding among family members, spouses, and community members. Athletes should strive to build harmonious relationships where empathy, patience, and compromise prevail. Understanding each other’s challenges, dreams, and expectations can prevent unnecessary conflicts and foster unity.
3️⃣ Speak Out and Talk About Issues
Kimeto urges athletes to speak out about GBV and report any signs of abuse. Silence, he explains, only enables abusers to continue their behavior. “Speak out and talk so that interventions can be made,” he says. By voicing their concerns, athletes can access the help they need from community leaders, government agencies, and support services.
Athletics Kenya has been encouraging athletes to report cases of abuse using the GBV Hotline: +254 701 116 116. The hotline provides athletes with a direct line to report cases of abuse and seek support.
4️⃣ Do Not Take the Law Into Your Own Hands
Conflict within families can sometimes lead to violent confrontations. However, Kimeto advises athletes to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. He calls on athletes to seek peaceful resolutions and avoid physical confrontations that could lead to serious legal consequences.
Instead, he urges athletes to seek help from community leaders, counselors, or church leaders. These trusted figures can mediate conflicts and provide emotional support, ensuring that issues are resolved amicably.
5️⃣ Reach Out to Community Leaders, Counselors, and Church Leaders
When athletes face personal or family issues, Kimeto recommends reaching out to community leaders, counselors, and church leaders for guidance and intervention. These community figures can provide a safe space for athletes to express themselves and access resources like counseling and emotional support.
Additionally, athletes can call the GBV Hotline: +254 701 116 116 for immediate help. This hotline ensures that survivors can access counseling, legal advice, and support services.
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Call to Action: Protect Our Athletes, Protect Our Future
As Kenya continues to celebrate its heroes on the track, it must also work to protect these athletes from GBV. John Kimeto’s interview underscores the need for proactive measures, such as financial literacy, education, and community support, to safeguard the lives of these talented young men and women.
Kimeto’s final message is clear: Athletes must put God first, speak out, and seek help when faced with challenges. Only by working together as a community, government, and athletics fraternity can Kenya create a safe, just, and empowered future for its athletes.
Final Thoughts
John Kimeto’s message is a beacon of hope for Kenya’s athletic community. By prioritizing values like love, unity, and empathy, athletes can protect themselves from GBV and create healthy family and community environments. Through the combined efforts of NGAAF, Equity Bank, and Athletics Kenya, athletes are being equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources to thrive.
Let’s protect our athletes, not just as national icons, but as human beings with dreams, hopes, and a right to live free from violence.
�� Watch John Kimeto’s Full Interview Here: https://t.co/Ey86ar2eg6
�� GBV Hotline: +254 701 116 116
�� Learn More: www.ngaaf.go.ke
Join the conversation. Be part of the change.
#EndGBV #RESET #EnoughIsEnough #16DaysOfActivism
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