The anti-FGM board has called upon various stakeholders to help in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Tharaka Nithi County.
Speaking during the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child at the County Commissioner’s office in Kathwana, the Board Chairperson, Ipato Surum, called on all stakeholders involved in the area to work together to bring the number down.
She appreciates the efforts made by Njuri Ncheke as champions against the practice and their continued support to eradicate the activity in the region.
She called upon men’s activists, all Community Services Organisations (CSOs), government institutions, chiefs, and religious institutions to join hands in fighting the malpractice.
“This fight is for all of us, including men; it affects everyone. Let’s join hands to fight FGM,” she said.
Ms. Surum acknowledged that there has been a decrease in activities in the county and thanked law enforcement officers for ensuring those engaging in the practice are brought to justice.
She added that the board will continue to put stringent measures against FGM, teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and school dropouts to stop gender-based violence.
The chairperson advocated for the protection of children living with disabilities, as they are prone to easy manipulation.
Igamba Ng’ombe Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Julius Too, on his part, said that the national and county governments will work together to eradicate the practice and enable the girl child to shape their own future.
He appreciated the Anti-FGM Board for their continued fight against the practice and ensuring that girls in indigenous communities are protected.
The DCC cautioned those encouraging the practice, adding that they will face the law.
He assured them they will offer their support during the coming national exams to ensure they were conducted efficiently.
While at it, he mentioned that the government has already distributed relief food—400 bags of beans and 160 bags of maize—to vulnerable people.
The function was attended by the area Deputy Governor Wilson ‘Muisraeli’ Nyaga and Chuka Igamba Ng’ombe MP Patrick Munene, among other stakeholders.
By Sharon Gitau
