In realization of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s commitment to put to an end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) by year 2022, women leaders drawn from different part of the vast Mandera County have come together in support of the initiative.
While speaking in Mandera, Mandera Maendeleo ya Wanawake Chairlady, Abdia Abdula, promised that women from Mandera will be championing against FGM by educating women in different parts of the County.
“We will be carrying out sensitization seminars and workshop in this area to educate our community about this harmful practice, which leads to serious health complications, including prolonged bleeding, infection, infertility or even death,” says Abdia.
Abdia vowed that women will make sure that FGM is a thing of the past by 2022, adding that they will report those practicing the outlawed culture relevant to the authorities.
“In 2011, Kenya passed a law that prohibits Female Genital Mutilation and imposed tough penalties on those perpetrators abetting the practice, we will be alert to ensure this practice comes to an end by 2022 by educating women on the harm of FGM,” added Abdia.
Other women present echoed her sentiments, they vowed to work with relevant law enforcers to end FGM before 2022.
They challenged girls to report parents and guardians who coerce them to undergo the harmful practice. Girls were also asked to be informed of their rights and say no to FGM.
Mandera County Commissioner (CC), Onesmus Kyatha, promised that government is ready to work with women and other institutions working with women and women empowerment.
The CC urged local residents to empower their girls by ensuring they get education, asking women to support President Uhuru Kenyatta commitment to end FGM by 2022.
“Kindly let’s work together to make sure our President commitment to end FGM comes to pass, cooperate with government, report anyone who still practice the outdated culture,” said Kyatha.
FGM is still rampart in North Eastern region despite efforts by government to end it.
By Charles Matacho
