Speaking on Thursday at Maili Tatu Stadium in Igembe Central during this year’s celebrations of the International Day for Zero Tolerance against FGM, Parliamentary Affairs Principal Secretary Aureliah Rono, who represented the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, said the numbers were alarming and needed to be contained at all costs.
In a speech read on his behalf by the PS, Mudavadi said there have been no proven benefits of FGM and therefore a serious fight must be against the retrogressive culture.
He said the numbers were not just statistics but represented lives affected and curtailed.
He added that FGM is a form of human rights violation and infringement of the dignity, health, and well-being of girls and women.
He said ending the vice was not a government-only mandate but a societal responsibility.
“To eradicate this monster, I encourage elders to stand firm against it, women to be ready to stand and defend their daughters if they want them to be successful in the future, and men to be champions for women in this fight as well as being advocates for their own sisters, co-existing, loving, embracing, and supporting each other,” said Mr. Mudavadi.
He also called upon women-led movements, religious leaders, educators, and local administrators to accelerate the fight by increasing awareness and educating communities on the dangers of FGM by strengthening alternative rites of passage that celebrate girls without harming them.
Gender and Affirmative Action PS Anne Wangómbe made a rallying call to women not only in Meru but the country at large to protect their daughters and elders, be the voice of change, and have the young men be ambassadors and advocates for their sisters.
“Law enforcers should also play their role and remain vigilant in ensuring justice for victims of the menace while development partners and civil society continue supporting grassroots initiatives and survivors,” said Ms. Wangómbe.
Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza said her government was doing everything possible to contain the menace, including applying a multisectoral approach.
She called on the residents to be vigilant and report such cases for action to be taken against the offenders.
By Dickson Mwiti
