The County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet in partnership with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Vision, National Government and Marakwet Girls foundation has held the first community dialogue on ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) at Chesongoch, Endo Ward Marakwet East Subcounty.
The interaction aims to make the people aware the dangers of FGM and come up with best practices and approaches to ending FGM in the region. The sheer number of girls and women affected by FGM highlights the need for urgent action in Endo.
The County led team held different meetings with elders, youth and religious leaders as they play key role in any decision making of the community. In Elgeyo Marakwet, there is a growing concern of FGM as a harmful cultural practice and tends to violate the girls and women’s rights.
The United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA) representative Dr. Ademola Olajide said noted that for girls and women to attain their full potential in life, their rights must be protected against harmful practices such as FGM.
“In order for us to ensure that every woman and girl reaches her full potential, we must uphold and protect their rights against harmful practices such as FGM,’’ said Dr. Olajide.
Despite the National decline in the prevalence of FGM, it is still practiced by the communities living in Elgeyo Marakwet which has since posed a challenge to the law enforcers.
The CEC in charge of Youth, Gender and Social service Mr. Kiprono Chepkok lauded the team and mentioned that having such dialogues are opportunities to shed light on the sensitive cultural issue from the point of view of the target group.
“FGM is a horrific and harmful practice that can lead to physical, mental and sexual health complications. This has in time entrench the social and economic patterns of the community.’’ He Said.
He noted that together with the County Commissioner team, they shall continue monitoring the vulnerable girls in the community and provide safe spaces for the victims.
The county in partnership with Marakwet Girls Foundation is currently in the process of coming up with a policy for the eradication of FGM.
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