By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Chief Justice Martha Koome on Thursday, May 23, 2024, endorsed a proposal by the Committee on the Definition of Case Types for the Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) Court.
The committee recommended renaming the court the Gender Justice Court (Mahakama ya Haki ya Kijinsia).
According to the CJ, the new name reflects a survivor-centred approach.
“The survivor-centred plan in the Gender Justice Court is necessary because it places the rights, needs, safety, dignity and well-being of survivors at the centre of all prevention and response measures concerning SGBV,” Koome said in an update on her social media pages.
She further noted that the overarching aim is to have specialised courts designed to address cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) efficiently and sensitively.
“These courts are a response to the pressing need for a justice system that is informed by the traumatic impacts of SGBV and prioritises the safety, dignity and rights of survivors and those affected by these crimes,” she said.
In addition, CJ Koome revealed that the judiciary plans to have at least 12 gazetted Gender Justice Courts countrywide, each of which will be equipped with facilities that ensure the comfort and safety of survivors.
The Judiciary, she said, is also committed to facilitating access to comprehensive support services for survivors, including legal aid, counselling, medical care and social support.
She noted that the services are crucial for helping survivors recover while they navigate the legal process.
“It is a matter of priority to implement the Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) SGBV Strategy. Magistrates and court staff working in these courts will receive specialised training on SGBV issues,” the Chief Justice said.
“This training will cover legal aspects, sensitivity in handling survivors, understanding the dynamics of abuse, and the importance of a supportive court environment,” she added.
Moreover, the judiciary plans for the court personnel to receive requisite counselling before, during and after hearing these matters.
The Gender Justice Courts will prioritise the confidentiality and privacy of the proceedings to protect the identity and dignity of survivors. They are expected to deliver on the Judiciary’s promise to ensure people-focused justice in collaboration with other critical actors under the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ).