Rights activist Nderitu Njoka calls for extension of men’s sex boycott to Sunday
Maendeleo ya Wanaume chairman Nderitu Njoka (third left) addressing journalists at Embu Level Five Hospital on November 12, 2014. He said the sex boycott by men has been extended to Sunday in order for it to have maximum impact. PHOTO | CHARLES WANYORO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Nderitu Njoka said he had received petitions from over 3,000 men countrywide encouraging him to extend the boycott to Sunday.
- During that period, men are not supposed to have sexual intercourse or shake hands with women.
- Mr Njoka advises that if one must shake hands, they are to use the left hand.
- He said in 2014 alone, a study they have carried out indicates that over 300 men were assaulted by women with 110 having their private parts or other part of the body severed.
A men’s rights activist has called for the extension of a countrywide sex boycott to Sunday.
The boycott was called to protest gender-based violence targeting men.
Maendeleo ya Wanaume chairman Nderitu Njoka said he had received petitions from over 3,000 men countrywide encouraging him to extend the boycott until Sunday so that it can achieve maximum impact.
During that period, men are not supposed to have sexual intercourse or shake hands with women. The boycott will culminate in a nationwide prayer session.
Men have been urged to wave in the air to greet women.
Mr Njoka advises that if a man must shake hands with a woman, he must use the left hand.
300 MEN ASSAULTED
Speaking at Embu Level Five Hospital, where he had gone to visit a man whose genitals were allegedly severed by his wife, Mr Njoka said minimum contact with women would drive the point home and ensure men were treated better.
He said a study they carried out indicates that in 2014 alone, over 300 men were assaulted by women, with 110 of them having their private parts or other part of the body severed.
Other related incidents included men who were burnt using hot water and acid, with many losing their lives in the process.
Mr Njoka said the survey also indicates that about 60 per cent of Kenyan households are headed by women despite the presence of men in the homes.
“I had come to pass my sympathies to the victim and register solidarity with victims of domestic violence. There has been a lot of pressure from members who said one day was not enough for the awareness campaign,” he said.
CHANCE TO PRAY
Mr Njoka said the purpose of the sex boycott was to give men a chance to pray and reflect on the various challenges facing them the world over.
He said it is biblical for one to deny himself sex when seeking divine intervention from God, and therefore women should give their partners room for meditation.
Mr Njoka said men have been neglected by the government even in the formulation of policies, with some programmes designed to favour women and young people, leaving out men.
He said he had liaised with church leaders and imams and had requested them to set aside their next worship days and dedicate them to interceding for men.
