Urgent concerns have been raised over the alarming rise of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Neema Foundation Director Neema Kimutai stated that the region’s prevalence rate is 19.7 percent, above the national rate of 15 per cent.
Kimutai blamed deep-rooted cultural beliefs as a significant hindrance to the fight against FGM, as many locals perceive FGM as the only rite of passage.
“Elgeyo Marakwet has an FGM prevalence rate of 19.7 per cent, which is above the national rate of 15 per cent. Many locals perceive FGM as the only rite of passage, making it difficult to eradicate this problem,” Kimutai noted.
READ ALSO: Joy as MP in Kakamega commissions ultra-modern classrooms at Mukavane Primary
Speaking during the International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM in Iten, she highlighted the effects of FGM, noting that the county has much work to do.
“FGM is not only a threat to girls’ education, it also puts their health at risk. This practice is outdated and hence must be ended,” she stated.
Kimutai appealed for concerted community efforts to attain success, stating that the organization intends to engage learners, who she says are agents of change, in the fight against the vice.
“All stakeholders must work together to tackle FGM. As an organization, we are already engaging learners in this fight. Our education system has changed, and we are now under the Competency-Based Curriculum, and anything learners are taught, they will put it into practice,” added Kimutai.
Chebara Primary School deputy head teacher Moses Cheserek welcomed the ongoing anti-FGM programs, saying involving the young generation will bring positive results.
“Cases of FGM are high in Kerio Valley. We are happy with the efforts to end FGM in this region and fully support them,” observed Cheserek.
The involvement of men in the fight against FGM, incorporation of anti-FGM into the curriculum, and severe punishment of offenders are further proposals to tackle the vice, which has also been described as a threat to the education of the girl child.
By Kimutai Langat
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
