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In May 2020, Kenya declared Gender-Based Violence (GBV) a health emergency amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestic and intimate partner violence typically rises during crises, regardless of economic status (Spangaro et al., 2021). Before COVID-19, around 45% of women and girls in Kenya had experienced violence (Musembi et al., 2022). Although Kenya’s constitution has addressed GBV since 2010 and gender equity initiatives have been promoted, the pandemic exacerbated GBV, particularly in rural areas, due to lockdowns and movement restrictions. This study examines the lessons learned from Kenya’s COVID-19 response and proposes policies and processes that integrate ethical leadership to effectively combat GBV and advance gender equity.

This exploratory phenomenology study involved conducting semi-structured interviews with pregnant women, mothers, policymakers and government representatives.

The qualitative narratives reveal several critical issues and areas for improvement in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and related challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. Both policymakers and pregnant women highlighted a lack of effective leadership, public policy and application of gender equity principles, with deeply ingrained patriarchal norms hindering progress.

This study aims to improve responses to GBV during crises and promote gender equity through ethical leadership. By examining the impacts of COVID-19 on GBV and assessing the influence of intersectoral factors like employment, healthcare and financial aid, it seeks to provide actionable insights for effective interventions. The findings can inform strategies to prevent and address GBV in crises while ensuring inclusivity and justice. This aligns with international initiatives like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the “Leave No One Behind” agenda, fostering more resilient and equitable communities.

Before COVID-19, Kenya was among the countries in sub-Saharan Africa already dealing with high Gender-Based Violence (GBV) issues. Kenya had experienced prior convoluted emergencies and endemics, which had an inordinate impingement on women and girls that heightened their vulnerability to GBV. The Kenyan Ministry of Public Service and Gender reported that in 2020, there was an increase of 36% in GBV cases (Roy et al., 2021). COVID-19 had a devastating effect in rural communities, whereby women were most impacted. This study aims to understand the lessons learned from public leaders in implementing policies that could address GBV through better leadership approaches.

This is an exploratory-qualitative study in which six participants comprised of policymakers or government representatives that were interviewed in semi-structured interviews.

The qualitative narratives provided evidence that suggests a complex relationship between the COVID-19 lockdowns and movement restrictions policies and played a direct factor in the rise in GBV in vulnerable populations. The individual country policies and sectoral policies varied in how vulnerable women's needs were addressed, which led to diverse socioeconomic and health consequences.

This research delineates the impacts of the failure of Kenyan leaders to implement gender focused COVID-19 policies and guidelines that considered the physical, mental, violence and the economic impact such emergencies have on women and girls in rural communities.