Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organization has challenged men to play an active role in the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other harmful cultural practices such as child marriage.
The organization National Chairperson, Rahab Mwikali, said it was imperative to actively involve men in challenging social norms and stereotypes that continue to perpetuate FGM.
Speaking in Embu during a meeting with the organization’s grass root leaders from seven counties within Eastern and North Eastern Region, the chair said inclusion of men in the fight was one way of moving towards a society free from FGM.
She said for FGM to be completely stamped out, it cannot be solely considered a woman issue, but a universal problem that must engage all communities.
She regretted that the condemned rite was still being practiced despite vigorous campaigns against it by various state and non-state actors as well as the institution of harsh criminal penalties.
“It is evil and painful for the girls who go through this,” said the chair, noting that the practice has no place in the 21st century.
She said the retrogressive practice was still being carried out by some health practitioners under the guise of healthcare which was a worrying development.
Embu Governor, Cecily Mbarire, said FGM was still rife in some parts of the county and carried out in “high secrecy” especially during school holidays to give girls time to heal before the resumption of school.
This, she said, poses a big challenge in monitoring and eradication of the vice. She however said, her administration will mount an anti-FGM campaign through grass root activism.
“It is illegal and a crime to force FGM on any woman or girl,” she said, adding that the law was clear on the harsh sentence that should be meted on perpetrators.
By Samuel Waititu
