Beware, Parents: FGM Rises During Holiday Seasons

The Kenya National Commission for Human Rights has urged increased awareness among involved parties, particularly guardians, in the Northeas...

The Kenya National Commission for Human Rights has urged increased awareness among involved parties, particularly guardians, in the Northeast region during the holiday season, as the likelihood of FGM is expected to increase.

The phone call occurred at a three-day conference hosted by the commission in Wajir town.

Even after many years of efforts by the government and local communities, instances of female genital mutilation, child marriage, and gender-based violence continue to be dangerously prevalent in this area.

The regional coordinator of KNCHR, Hassan Omar, stated that staying alert could significantly help in decreasing occurrences, cautioning that the prolonged school break creates opportunities for offenders to target girls, typically under the guise of cultural rituals.

"The extended holiday could be a period when those involved need to remain vigilant about the actual situation. This is the time when circumcisions take place. We have witnessed previously how our young girls and daughters are taken to the villages, where they are forcibly and secretly subjected to this harmful tradition," he stated.

The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey indicates that the rate of FGM has decreased to 15 per cent, yet in Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties, the rates continue to be significantly high at 83%, 97%, and 96% respectively.

Omar further stated, 'I urge the security agencies to remain vigilant during this time in order for us to apprehend individuals involved in detrimental cultural practices.'

He stated that the commission is collaborating closely with stakeholders to put an end to FGM by implementing community-focused initiatives that honor local conditions while advancing human rights.

The gathering united organizations from civil society, law enforcement bodies, advocates for human rights, spiritual figures, and local elders.

Experts and advocates at the conference emphasized the psychological, societal, and health consequences of FGM on Somali girls, as they remain committed to eradicating this practice.

Hinda Ahmed, a nurse with extensive experience and an advocate against FGM, discussed the medical effects of the practice on young girls and women.

"FGM raises the chances of contracting HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B because of the use of unsanitary tools. It can harm a marriage, bringing pain rather than joy, and might result in infertility or sexual issues," she stated.

"During pregnancy, women frequently face urinary tract infections, back discomfort, issues with the bladder, and extended labor that may pose risks to both the mother and the baby," she added.

Local human rights advocate Safi Abdullahi stated that the community needs to now take the correct position in history.

"We have pardoned our mothers for the actions they took against us. However, we now need to put an end to this cycle and safeguard young girls. This is our message to the community," she stated.

The tradition remains active in hidden ways, handed down from one generation to another as a societal custom, despite being banned and criticized by both the authorities and certain religious leaders.

The seminar promoted enhanced cooperation among the police, non-governmental organizations, and neighborhood groups to guarantee that cases of FGM are addressed quickly and efficiently.

Participants encouraged religious leaders and senior members to leverage their authority to condemn the practice. They emphasized that traditional customs should not serve as a justification for injuring young girls.

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