COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO TOLERANCE TO FGM

Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Aisha Jumwa presided over the commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Ntimaru, Migori County on Monday, 6th February, 2023.

This year’s theme – partnering with men and boys to transform social and gender norms to end FGM – calls for action from men and boys to end FGM.

In her keynote address, Hon. Jumwa said that in consideration of the culture of FGM among practicing communities, there’s need to take deliberate steps to involve men and boys.

“Engaging men will create space to confront patriarchy – the root cause of gender inequality and negative masculinity. Targeting male children and youth is critical to build a future generation that will not subscribe to male dominance, but will promote partnership and mutual coexistence of men and women,” said Hon. Jumwa.

The Cabinet Secretary also appreciated the role of the elders of the Kuria in Migori, Pokot in West Pokot, Samburu in Samburu, Masai in Narok and Kajiado and the Sabaot in Bungoma for leading the way in the fight against FGM.

In Kenya, the recently released Demographic Health Survey indicates that FGM has reduced from 21% prevalence in 2014 to 15% in 2022 which the Cabinet Secretary noted is remarkable progress on the war against FGM in Kenya.

Present at the event were national and county officials.