Zero Tolerance for FGM celebrations in Kiserian, Baringo South, Baringo County.
The Illchamus community in Baringo South has been told to shun the practice of FGM as the county marked the 2023 International Day for Zero Tolerance for FGM at Kiserian in Baringo South, Baringo County on Saturday, February 11, 2023.
Speaking during the celebrations, Baringo County Director for Gender and Youth Affairs Mr. Luka Aengwo called on the Illchamus community to stop the practice of FGM and other harmful cultural practices: “Kenya banned the practice in 2011 and those who are still subjecting women and girls to the cut are breaking the law”.
He called on the community to embrace education saying, education will help girls and boys in shunning the retrogressive cultural practices which have led to the marginalization of the Illchamus community.
The County Director of Gender urged young men to support women and girls in the fight against FGM. “I urge you young men to take an active role in the prevention of violence including FGM you can use the toll-free numbers – 1195 and 116 to report preparators of FGM, child marriage, and other forms of sexual gender-based violence,” he said.
On his part, the area Member of the County Assembly, Hon. Paul Lolgisoi promised to work with Baringo County legislators to enact laws to fund the efforts toward ending GBV including FGM in Baringo County.
According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS), the prevalence of FGM has reduced from 38 percent in 1998 to 15 percent in 2022. This was attributed to the robust campaign against FGM by the state and non-state actors, the existence of strong policy and legal frameworks against FGM and the political goodwill set by the former and current leadership in ending FGM in Kenya.
CCGD with support from UNFPA -Kenya will lead in the implementation of the program in Baringo, West Pokot, Samburu and Marasabit counties. During the five-year implementation plan, CCGD will work with various partners including the youth and women and the County Anti-FGM Steering Committee on the Coordination of the fight against FGM and other harmful traditional practices.
By Carol Jebet
