Reprieve for School Girls as FGM cases decline

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚: 𝐅𝐆𝐌 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) cases in Kenya are on a steady decline, with the latest Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 reporting a drop from 21% in 2014 to 15% in 2022.

The significant progress is a testament to the ongoing fight against this harmful practice.

Gender and Affirmative Action PS Ann Wang’ombe expressed optimism that FGM could be eradicated within the next two years due to continued campaigns and community sensitisation.

“FGM is an outdated cultural practice that limits the future of our girls,” she stated during celebrations for the International Day of the Girl Child in Kajiado County.

Wang’ombe urged communities to embrace Alternative Rites of Passage, allowing girls to pursue education and fulfil their dreams. The call to action is clear: everyone must work together to eliminate FGM, especially as schools approach long holidays when cases often rise.

Parliamentary Affairs PS Aurelia Rono highlighted the critical need to eradicate FGM, emphasising the legislative strides made to protect girls.

The Anti-FGM Act of 2011 marked a significant step forward, establishing severe penalties for the practice.

Despite the overall decline in cases, challenges remain, particularly in counties like Wajir, Mandera, and Marsabit.

This year’s theme for the International Day of the Girl Child, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” aims to empower girls to say no to FGM and early marriages.