In commemoration of the worldwide campaign for zero tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), residents of West Pokot County have been urged to say no to harmful cultural practices and give priority to girl child education.
Speaking at Tamkal in Pokot Central, Sigor Constituency, West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor said they stand with their daughters, sisters, and mothers, promising that they would no longer allow the practice to harm the future generations.
Murgor boldly declared that FGM is a practice that the entire world has rejected, emphasising that it disrupts the dreams and futures of the girl child.
He urged the people of West Pokot to join the global movement against FGM, highlighting how the practice perpetuates harmful health consequences and gender inequality.
“FGM is not just a local issue; it is a global concern, and the world has come together to denounce this harmful practice because it steals away the potential and dreams of our daughters,” said Murgor.
“FGM not only causes physical harm but also robs young girls of the chance to thrive, dream, and achieve their fullest potential,” he stated.
He pointed out that the practice, which has deep cultural roots in many communities, has no place in the modern world.
The Senator praised the ongoing efforts by local activists and community leaders in West Pokot, who have worked tirelessly to educate families about the dangers of FGM and to promote alternative rites of passage that celebrate girls without causing harm.
“Together, we are creating a new tradition, one that honours the girl child without subjecting her to unnecessary suffering,” Murgor said.
He reminded the crowd that the government is fully committed to ensuring that FGM is eradicated.
“Our laws are clear, and we stand firm in ensuring that no girl will ever again face this cruel practice,” he affirmed.
He urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, and local authorities to work together to end the harmful practice while emphasising that FGM was not only a violation of human rights but also a practice that disrupts the future of young girls by causing physical harm and emotional trauma.
He underscored the critical importance of educating the girl child as a key element in the fight against FGM and passionately urged the community to view girls not only as the future of the region but as a society changer whose well-being and education directly reflect the health of the community.
Murgor also emphasized that an educated girl was more likely to raise educated children, creating a ripple effect of change that improves the entire society.
“The key to a brighter, healthier future lies in how we support and educate our girls. They are the heart of our communities, and by ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive, we ensure a better future for all,” he explained.
A Supervisor from Pokot Outreach Ministries (POM), Ruben Meriakou, declared that the time has come to move beyond harmful practices and focus on empowering girls for a brighter future.
“We have gathered today not only to raise awareness but to say this harmful tradition has no place in our society anymore. Girls deserve a chance to live healthy, fulfilling lives, and for that, they need an opportunity to study, to grow, and to become the leaders of tomorrow,” said Meriakou.
He emphasized the need for communities to reject FGM and instead support girls’ education as the path forward.
“The world is evolving, and we must invest in the education of our daughters because we are investing in the future of our communities,” he said.
He also recognised the role of the community in eliminating FGM, saying that parents, teachers, religious leaders, and local authorities must take responsibility to ensure girls are safe and have access to the opportunities they deserve.
He expressed deep gratitude for the collective efforts of local leaders, activists, women’s groups, educators, and community members who came together to declare Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) a practice of the past and to advocate for girls’ education and empowerment.
By Agneta Chebet
