Northern Kenya

Let's join hands in ending the vice, anti-FGM Board CEO appeals

Anti-FGM Board CEO Bernadette Loloju and Chairperson Ipato Surum (L) speak to journalists in Marsabit town. (Handout)

By Waweru Wairimu | Thursday, June 27, 2024

She stressed the need for State, non-state actors and organisations to collaborate in sensitisation of the local communities on the harmful effects of FGM.

Anti-Female G (FGM) Board CEO Bernadette Loloju has called for concerted efforts to eradicate the harmful practice which 83 per cent of girls and women aged between 15-49 years in Marsabit County have undergone.

She stressed the need for State, non-state actors and organisations to collaborate in sensitisation of the local communities on the harmful effects of FGM which may cause severe bleeding, urinary problems, infections, menstruation issues and complications at childbirth and newborn deaths.

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During a training session for local women and survivors who have been instrumental in the anti-FGM campaigns at the grassroots, Bernadette said the role of elders in persuading the communities to shun the retrogressive culture could not be overlooked.

"All actors must be brought on board and elders involved (in the campaign) to debunk myths and misconceptions about FGM as the gatekeepers of culture," she said, lamenting that FGM remained rife in pastoralist communities against a national prevalence of 15 per cent.

Many of the communities practicing FGM believe the procedure reduces women's libido and helps them resist sexual desires until marriage which ensures they do not have babies out of wedlock.

Bernadette warned parents against subjecting their daughters to the cut, saying like the circumcisers and health workers undertaking medicalised FGM, they will be arrested and prosecuted for the human rights violation that was outlawed in Kenya 13 years ago.

"We will ensure the culprits also face the charge of indecent act which is part of the Sexual Offences Act," she noted.

She was accompanied by the Board Chairperson Ipato Surum.

Reports indicate that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is concentrated.

Marsabit County Gender Executive Jeremy Ledanyi said the department will roll out training for elders across the county for them to be agents of change in their respective communities.

"We want to sensitise them so that they denounce FGM like Borana and Samburu communities did," Jeremy said.

Women and survivor-led movements were also hailed at the training for their role in advocating for the protection of girls and women against Gender-Based Violence with community leaders asked to join the fight.