Kuria Community Professionals have been challenged to use their influence to end Female Genital Mutilation.
Public Service and Gender Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Ms Rachel Shebesh while speaking during a meeting with Kuria professionals said much is expected from the enlightened members of the community as the ultimate solution to the outlawed practice.
Shebesh revealed that the community professionals are enriched with diverse ways of engaging those who practice FGM to shift to other important duties in society.
The CAS said the professionals understand the law and they can easily engage other relevant stakeholders in the fight against FGM. She tasked them to work with religious organizations and the Ministry of Interior to end the practice.
On her part, Denitah Ghati, nominated MP who convened the meeting noted that professionals are being engaged for the first in the war against FGM. Ghati expressed confidence that professionals will bring new knowledge to help the community move away from FGM to development agendas that can change the community in totality.
Ghati who was nominated through Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to represent People with Disabilities (PWDs) interests in the National Assembly challenged the Kuria community leaders to boldly speak out on issues which affect the development including FGM which she maintained remains a big hindrance to the progress of the girl child.
On her part, Anti-FGM board Chairperson Ms Agnes Pareiyo regretted that many anti-FGM awareness campaigns have been done in Kuria Community but haven’t succeeded. Pareiyo also challenged the Kuria Professionals to find a permanent solution for FGM. She promised that the Anti-FGM Board will closely work with the professionals in a bid to end the vice.
Migori County Commissioner Boaz Cherutich however blamed Kuria men for not taking a leading role in the fight against FGM. “FGM would end in Kuria Community if men take charge of their families and say no to the practice, the way it happened in other successful communities,” Cherutich said.
He however said that security agencies are monitoring reports that some community members are taking young girls to the neighboring country to undergo FGM warning those found doing so would be arrested and prosecuted.
The leaders were speaking at Sun Set Hotel in Kehancha town where they discussed with community professionals among them teachers, health practitioners, lawyers and students from higher learning institutions on how to end FGM.
By Geoffrey Satia
