Faith Kipyegon shares thoughts on how to end Gender Based Violence

Double world record holder Faith Kipyegon has shared her thoughts on how to end exploitation among female athletes.

Kipyegon, a mother of one, said women should be educated on how to navigate through the tough times and they should be taught how to say no. The two-time Olympic champion added that most of the athletes start out at a young age and lack of basic sexual education leads to them being violated either sexually or physically.

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One of the victims of domestic violence is the late Agnes Tirop who was found murdered in her home in Iten on October 13, 2021, and the prime suspect of the murder was her husband, Ibrahim Rotich.

Tirop was just starting out her career in athletics and she was already making big strides. She is still the world 10km road race record holder and a two-time world bronze medallist.

“What happened to Tirop was very unfortunate…I started my career with her and we were very young. It still saddens my heart. It’s all about education from our seniors…our mother for example should talk to us because we are still growing and learning,” Kipyegon told Al Jazeera.

The two-time World 1500m added that more women taking up coaching and leadership roles in athletics will be a good step in curbing the Gender-Based Violence menace.

She cited the example of the former world marathon record holder who has a girls-only training camp where she educates them on how to be stern and embrace courage.

Another female athlete who has taken up the challenge is Mary Ngugi who has a girls-only training camp named Nala Track Club where she trains young ladies to also stand up against Gender-Based Violence.

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“Mary Keitany has taken up the role and she is doing absolutely amazing. She talks to young girls about GBV and she has impacted a lot of girls. We will be strong as women when we stand up together against this menace,” she said.