Rethinking Masculinity and Intimate Partner Violence in Kenya: The Need for a Gendered Dialogue

Kenya is witnessing a surge in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), a phenomenon so normalized that it now affects four out of every ten women in the country (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2014). This prevalence positions IPV as a pressing human rights, health, and developmental crisis, demanding prioritized research, preventative strategies, and redressive measures for affected women. This focus is critical, as women are not only vulnerable but also serve as the primary caregivers and life-givers to the next generation, making their wellbeing foundational to societal health.

Globally, IPV affects approximately one-third of women (WHO, n.d.), leading to a spectrum of physical, sexual, reproductive, and mental health complications. The determinants of this violence are multi-layered, operating at individual, familial, community, and societal levels. Historically, interventions have been shaped by factors such as beliefs in male entitlement, entrenched gender inequality, and societal norms that legitimize violence as a tool for enforcing male dominance (WHO/LSHTM, 2010). Furthermore, the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES, 2010) highlighted that economic and work-related stress often triggers gender-based violence, as men experiencing low self-esteem may resort to violence to reassert dominance and preserve their status (International Centre of Research on Women, 2010). Additionally, research has noted a paradoxical increase in violence linked to female empowerment when men are not actively engaged or assisted in navigating these shifts (Flood, 2015; Barker et al., 2007; Gibbs et al., 2015).

A recent study by the NCRC (2018) corroborates these findings, illustrating that violence against women, particularly domestic violence, is intricately linked to the real or perceived fulfillment of masculine identities amidst economic pressures. However, a significant limitation of that study was its exclusive reliance on female respondents, introducing a potential bias by excluding male perspectives.

To address this gap, the present study aimed to examine IPV and its connections to masculine identities within the contemporary Kenyan context, while also exploring viable intervention strategies. Specifically, the research sought to: 1) Understand men’s perceptions of masculinity and male roles amidst Kenya’s changing cultural landscape; 2) Ascertain men’s attitudes toward IPV in relation to evolving masculine identities and behaviours; and 3) Recommend actionable opportunities for the support and prevention of IPV. The study was conducted across Bungoma, Kwale, Mombasa, and Nakuru counties.

A Critical Gap: The Role of Women and Femininity

While the preceding research is invaluable, it presents a critical omission: the role of women, femininity, and women’s own perceptions of their evolving behaviours and empowerment. The introduction of IPV, as it currently stands, inadvertently positions men as the sole agents of violence. This framing absolves women of their responsibility in the dynamics of intimate relationships. In reality, both genders hold beliefs about entitlement and seek certain levels of empowerment within partnerships. To effectively understand and combat IPV, we must move beyond a single-sided narrative and examine how both male and female identities are co-evolving in response to cultural and economic change. Addressing IPV requires a holistic dialogue that holds both partners accountable for fostering healthy, non-violent relationships.