Cultural Norms and Values on Sexual and Gender Violence Among Congolese Male Refugees in Kakuma Camp Kenya

Abstract

Sexual violence is a significant public health and human rights issue worldwide. Refugees and asylum seekers affected by armed conflict are particularly vulnerable. In Kenya, the extent of sexual violence in humanitarian settings remains underexplored. Although many organizations address gender-based violence, little is known about male refugees who are victims of sexual violence. This paper aims to identify how cultural norms influence sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) faced by Congolese male refugees in Kakuma Camp. The study adopted a mixed cross-sectional survey research design. The study population for this study included refugee male survivors of sexual violence within Kakuma refugee camp, Turkana West Constituency. purposive sampling was used to select male refugees who formed the sampling frame. Simple random sampling was used to select 382 male refugees and 6 key informants as the respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules. Data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative data. The key Findings revealed that Congolese male refugees in Kakuma experience various forms of SGBV, including physical abuse (46%), sexual abuse (33%), and psychological abuse (21%). Younger males (18-29 years) reported higher incidences of SGBV compared to older age groups. Cultural norms significantly impacted the reporting and perception of SGBV, with societal stigma and the pressure to conform to traditional masculine roles discouraging many victims from seeking help. The study concluded that addressing SGBV among male refugees requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes cultural sensitivity, awareness programs, and support systems tailored to the unique needs of male survivors.