Elgeyo Marakwet County Government in partnership with the National Government, World Vision, United Nations Population Fund (UNFP) and the Marakwet Girls Foundation has held first community dialogue into ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The interactions which were held at Chesongoh, Endo Ward in Marakwet East Sub- county of Elgeyo Marakwet was aimed at creating awareness of the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and come up with the best ways to end FGM.
In Elgeyo Marakwet, FGM is a growing concern as it is a harmful cultural practice and tends to violate the rights of girls and women.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Ademola Olajide, from UNFP, said in order to ensure that every woman and girl realize their full potential, their rights must be upheld and protected against harmful practices such as FGM.
‘The sheer number of girls and women affected by FGM highlights the need for urgent action,” said Dr. Olajide.
The team held different meetings with elders, youth and religious leaders as they play a key role in any decision making of the community.
Despite the national decline in FGM prevalence, it is still practiced within the communities of Elgeyo Marakwet which has posed a great challenge to law enforcers.
Kiprono Chepkok, County Executive Committee member (CEC)-In-Charge of Youth, Gender and Social Service mentioned that having such dialogues are opportunities to shed light on sensitive cultural issues from the view point of the target group.
“FGM is a horrific and harmful practice that can lead to physical, mental and sexual health complications,” he said.
“This is the time to entrench the social patterns of communities practicing FGM,” added Chepkok.
He noted that together with the County Commissioner’s team they shall continue monitoring the vulnerable girls in the community and provide safe spaces for the victims.
By Rennish Okong’o
