By Kipilat Kapusya
Two hundred and thirty two teenagers from Kenya and Uganda have declared non-tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early forced marriages and teenage pregnancies.
The boys and girls drawn from various schools proclaimed this during their graduation after undergoing a four-day training at Alale Girls Primary school where they were sensitized on matters directly influencing their lives.
Among the issues tackled included; anti-FGM issues, HIV/AIDS, early forced marriage, child rights, life skills for the girl child, spiritual nourishment and health rights aimed at changing their mindsets regarding girls’ circumcision that has been rampant in West Pokot region.
Alale Division Assistant County commissioner, Maurice Ogweno who presided over the graduation organized by World Vision Organization said that issues surrounding FGM are significant.
“FGM cases have been there for the past years but we have put strategies in place to fight it. The issue has been prevalent for a long time because the community is preservative but chiefs have tried to arrest the situation by cracking down on the perpetrators and managing behavioral change,” he said.
Ogweno added that in the last one year, five FGM perpetrators have been prosecuted.
World Vision Child Protection Officer Teresa Cheptoo said they are dealing with referral pathways and teaching teenagers on their rights.
Ms. Cheptoo pointed out that the practice has had extreme effects on the girl child in the area and was being fought from all angles.
“We have empowered girls through teachings and helped them understand how their bodies function, effects of FGM and how to defend themselves,” she said.
According to Cheptoo, the girls received teachings aimed to transform them and shun the cut. The opportunity will also help girls to reconcile with their parents.
She noted that the practice has had major effects on the girls’ education making tthem drop out of school in large numbers immediately they are circumcised.
“We have brought boys, parents and leaders on board. They should be aware of the court penalties. We also don’t want boys to marry circumcised girls,” she said.
She expressed optimism that the campaign was yielding fruits as many residents are embracing the alternative system of passage.
“We are happy to note that the fight is yielding fruits because ten years ago when I initiated such a campaign, the prevalence rate of FGM in this area was 100 per cent but through many sessions of sensitization, workshops and seminars among other forums, the practice has reduced and many people are abandoning it,” she said.
The teenagers expressed confidence that they shall be able to pursue their education to higher levels after being assisted to sensitize their parents against the practice.
“Girls are being subjected to the cut when they become pregnant and it becomes difficult for them during delivery. We had a good session, we are now empowered and we shall educate our parents. Those that have been cut should just be accepted and taken through counseling,” said Damaris Chemsop one of the girls who underwent the training aged 15.
Selina Liman, Kamnai Sub Location Chief said that dealing with the vice has been a hard task because the perpetrators have been escaping to Uganda but they have been monitoring them and placing affected girls in rescue centers.
