Three female athletes, three tragic losses: The harsh reality of gender-based violence

A demographic survey conducted by a Kenyan research firm disclosed that at least 11 million women in the country had experienced various forms of physical or sexual violence by their intimate partners. Not only that, from 2016 to 2023, at least 500 women were killed just because of their gender.

Later in March, far away in Latin America, Mexico specifically, a similar protest was replicated when over 180,000 women and allies protested against violence, murder and other forms of vices threatening the lives of women in the country.

Data from the Mexico National Institute of Statistics and Geography revealed an alarming rate of violence perpetrated against women in three years. In 2021, nearly 10 women were murdered in the country every day, culminating in 3427 women that year alone.

Later in 2022, state prosecutors reported that rape and its related violence have reached a peak and were more prevalent amongst girls within the 10-14 age bracket. A total of 4,197 such cases were filed. 

The year 2023 was no different. The Secretary of Security and citizens reported that over 2500 women had become victims of homicide and more than 800 of them were femicide victims

These instances are not only limited to Kenya and Mexico. Almost like a plague, it is a phenomenon prevalent in many countries the world over. The recent murder of Rebecca Cheptegei brought a rude reminder of the continued existence of impunity and injustices against women. Without any intentions of invoking emotions, here are some athletes who are victims of femicide.

Agnes Tirop, Kenya

In 2021, the gruesome murder of Agnes Tirop triggered a rave agitation for the protection of women. Her life was snuffed by none other than Ibrahim Rotich, her husband. Tirop’s lifeless body was found in her home with stab wounds. Aside from that, it was reported that her car windows had been smashed. It had only been five weeks after winning the women's 10km marathon in Germany. The Kenyan President at the time, Uhuru Kenyatta, remarked, "It is unsettling, utterly unfortunate, and very sad that we've lost a young and promising athlete. It is even more painful that Agnes, a Kenyan hero by all measures, painfully lost her young life through a criminal act perpetuated by selfish and cowardly people."

Damaris Muthee Mutua, Kenya/Bahrain

A Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete who was a two-time world championship bronze medalist was murdered in 2022. The autopsy report revealed her cause of death as strangulation, allegedly, by her boyfriend Koki Foi, also an athlete with Ethiopian descent. Mutua, a mother of one, held 2^nd place in a 10km race in Angola. “She was an upcoming road runner. People would describe her as someone with very good discipline. Earlier this month, she was third in a very tough half-marathon race in Angola. She was found dead just when her career on the road was picking up," Elias Makori, managing editor for sport at Nation Media Group, told BBC Sport.

Rebecca Cheptegei, Uganda

Cheptegei was set ablaze by her boyfriend following a disagreement. She sustained 75-80% burns on her body and succumbed to her injuries some hours after the incident. Prior to this, the 33-year Olympian held the Ugandan women’s title for a marathon record of 2:22:47 at the Abu Dhabi marathon in 2022. At the just-ended Paris Olympics, she participated in the 10,000m race and finished 44^th. Cheptegei had two children.

“We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY following a vicious attack by her boyfriend. May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure,” Donald Rukare, president of the Uganda Olympics Committee, wrote.