The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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In Kajiado County, the prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has dropped significantly from 96% to 76%, marking a substantial decline in cases.
Mercy Musomi, the Executive Director of Girl Child Network, attributes this decrease to ongoing community sensitization efforts aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of the practice. These initiatives, involving various stakeholders, have played a crucial role in changing attitudes towards FGM.
Speaking at the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) celebrations in Kajiado, Musomi highlighted the importance of engaging community members directly through grassroots sensitization activities. This approach, known as ‘Community Conversation,’ involves training community facilitators to lead discussions on ending FGM within their communities.
Musomi emphasized the positive impact of these efforts, noting improvements in girls’ school enrollment, academic performance, and progression to higher levels of education, particularly among those who have not undergone the cut.
Lamine Mamadou Sow, the Head of Education for UNESCO in East Africa, underscored UNESCO’s commitment to promoting women’s health, well-being, and education rights. He emphasized the importance of controlling the prevalence of FGM to enhance girls’ access to education and their overall contribution to society.
Cynthia Sintamei, an FGM survivor, shared her personal journey and highlighted the power of personal narratives in advocating for an end to FGM. She encouraged collective efforts to eradicate the practice, emphasizing the significance of every individual’s contribution.
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), observed annually on February 6, serves as a reminder of the collective efforts to end FGM. In Kajiado County, the day was commemorated under the theme “Her Voice, Her Future,” with various organizations joining forces to sensitize the community and advocate for the protection of girls from the harmful practice of FGM.
