Tackling GBV in Athletics – Insights from Shaker Boyart on the Urgent Need for Proactive Solutions

Tackling GBV in Athletics – Insights from Shaker Boyart on the Urgent Need for Proactive Solutions

Introduction
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in athletics has become a growing concern, not only in Kenya but globally. With athletes often perceived as wealthy and influential, they become targets for financial, emotional, and sexual exploitation. To address this issue, Shaker Boyart, a journalist from The New York Times, recently shared his perspective on how Kenya’s athletics sector can safeguard its athletes. His powerful insights challenge traditional approaches, calling for proactive solutions instead of reactive measures.

The Vulnerability of Athletes
Young athletes, particularly those aged 15-19, face heightened exposure to GBV. This is a critical age where many talented sportspeople begin their journey to professional athletics. However, with limited financial knowledge and access to support systems, they become prime targets for exploitation.

Shaker notes that at this stage, many young athletes rely on coaches, agents, or sponsors, some of whom may abuse this position of power. This exploitation is not only financial but also emotional and sexual. He emphasizes that athletes at this level often do not have the resources or knowledge to protect themselves, making them vulnerable to manipulative relationships.

“Young athletes may feel indebted to those who support them, and this power dynamic can easily be abused,” says Shaker Boyart.

Why Proactive Measures Are Better Than Reactive Ones
Traditionally, interventions for GBV have focused on post-incident responses, such as safehouses and reporting hotlines. While these measures are crucial, Shaker argues that they only address the issue after the damage is done.

“We need to be proactive, not just reactive,” he asserts. “Safehouses are important, but we should prevent the violence from happening in the first place.”

Shaker emphasizes the need for preventive mechanisms such as:

• Early GBV Education: Introducing GBV education in schools as early as age 6 can shape the mindsets of children before their worldview is formed. This approach instills respect, empathy, and accountability early in life, which they will carry into adulthood.
• Capacity-Building Academies and Training Camps: Establishing training facilities where athletes are protected from exploitation and supported through mentorship can drastically reduce cases of abuse. These camps should offer holistic development that includes financial literacy, emotional intelligence, and legal protection.
• Financial Management and Literacy: Financial exploitation is one of the most common forms of GBV experienced by athletes. When athletes are financially illiterate, they are more likely to be exploited. By offering financial training in collaboration with institutions like Equity Bank, athletes can learn to manage their finances independently, reducing their dependency on exploitative agents or managers.
• Male Champions as Advocates: While female champions have been strong advocates for GBV prevention, Shaker highlights the unique role that male champions can play in driving change. “When male figures speak up against GBV, it resonates strongly with other men, and this can shift mindsets,” he says.

The Role of the Government and Global Stakeholders
Kenya’s government has taken steps to address GBV through funding for safehouses and capacity-building initiatives. However, Shaker points out that this support should be strengthened and sustained. He also reveals that the international community is ready to help.

Following high-profile cases like those of Agnes Tirop and Rebecca Cheptegei, the world has taken notice. The UK, for instance, has addressed GBV within its own athletic spaces, especially in cycling and gymnastics. However, Kenya remains a global hub of running talent, particularly in long-distance running, which has put a spotlight on the need for better GBV protection for female athletes.

Shaker shares that the international community is willing to support Kenyan athletes by providing technical assistance, capacity-building, and resources for training academies.

Call to Action: What Needs to Be Done
The message is clear: GBV in athletics cannot be ignored any longer. Protecting our athletes requires the collective efforts of government, sports federations, educational institutions, and development partners.

To achieve this, Shaker outlines five key actions:
1️⃣ Invest in Preventive Education: GBV education should be included in school curriculums from age 6 to build a generation with positive attitudes towards gender equality and respect.
2️⃣ Build Academies and Safe Training Environments: Sports academies and mentorship camps should be safe spaces where athletes grow their talent free from exploitation.
3️⃣ Empower Athletes with Financial Literacy: When athletes have financial knowledge, they reduce their reliance on sponsors, agents, and managers, which lowers their exposure to financial exploitation.
4️⃣ Strengthen Government and Donor Support: Increased funding for early intervention programs, capacity building, and academies is crucial. The support of international organizations and donors is also vital.
5️⃣ Engage Male Champions as Advocates: Male athletes, coaches, and sports leaders must be at the forefront of the anti-GBV campaign. Their voices will have a greater influence on other men within the sporting community.

Conclusion
GBV in athletics is a complex issue that requires a shift from reactive to proactive solutions. While safehouses and post-incident support are crucial, the focus should be on prevention, education, and capacity-building. As Shaker Boyart explains, by protecting athletes early on, we safeguard their future and preserve Kenya’s legacy as a global powerhouse for athletic excellence.

With support from global partners and a firm commitment from the Kenyan government, we can ensure that no young athlete is left vulnerable to exploitation. It’s time to put proactive solutions at the center of the fight against GBV in athletics.

�� Watch Shaker Boyart’s Interview Here: https://youtu.be/M5-tGbzn2bQ
�� GBV Hotline: +254 701 116 116
�� Learn More: www.ngaaf.go.ke

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