West Pokot Commemorates International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM

Efforts to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in West Pokot, spearheaded by the county government in collaboration with partners, have shown significant progress, with rates steadily declining.

While leading celebrations at Nakuyen, Kacheliba to mark International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, under the theme "Her voice. Her future,” First Lady Scovia Kachapin emphasized the importance of empowering victims to shape a world free of this harmful practice.

“This practice is an example of extreme gender discrimination, reflecting deep-rooted inequality between sexes. We must end it,” stressed the First Lady.

Despite FGM prevalence at 44% locally compared to the national rate of 15%, the First Lady stressed the urgent need to end this discriminatory practice, which perpetuates gender inequality and affects women's reproductive health.

She called for unified efforts to raise awareness and strengthen laws against FGM.

 Area MCA Emmanuel Akasile and CEC Lucky Litole echoed the call to action, urging community support towards ending FGM. They highlighted the crucial role of education in securing a better future for all children.

The collective efforts of organizations such as UN Women, Village Enterprise, ACF, World Vision, Jitokezee Wamama Africa, DSW, Declares Kenya, IREP Foundation and the Rotary Club of Sweden have been significant in reducing FGM and promoting women's rights.

The commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on February 6 serves as a global reminder of the imperative to eradicate this inhumane practice, as underscored by the unified stance of international organizations and the United Nations General Assembly since 1997 and 2012, respectively.