The eradication fight of Female Genital Mutilation, (FGM) in Elgeyo Marakwet County have received a major boost following the entry of a Non-Governmental Organization into the campaign.
Brighter Society Initiative (BSI), an NGO working with reformed FGM practitioners, has launched a countywide campaign aimed at eliminating the harmful practice.
The organization has lined up a series of activities focused on community engagement, education, and advocacy.
Speaking during the launch, BSI Coordinator Joyce Maiyo emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to eliminate FGM, which she described as a harmful tradition that continues to violate the rights and dignity of girls and women.
“Ending FGM requires unity and determination. The involvement of former practitioners in this campaign is a powerful statement that change is possible,” said Maiyo. “Their decision to abandon the practice will inspire others and accelerate the shift toward safer and more respectful cultural norms.”
ALSO READ:
Moi University announces livestock, vehicle auctioning exercise to raise funds
Betty Kirwa, another officer from the initiative, condemned FGM as a retrogressive act and a gross violation of girls’ rights. She urged women across the region to take a leading role in protecting their daughters and advocating for safer rites of passage.
“Women must be on the front line of this fight. We cannot allow our girls to suffer in the name of tradition,” she said.
The organization announced plans to expand the campaign across all sub-counties in Elgeyo Marakwet, pledging to partner with local authorities, schools, religious institutions, and health workers to ensure the initiative’s success.
Elgeyo Marakwet is among Kenya’s high-risk counties for FGM, with some administration officers and medical professionals reportedly complicit in aiding the illegal practice.
The NGO hopes that stronger grassroots advocacy, especially involving former practitioners, will break the cycle and lead to the full abandonment of FGM.
By KIMUTAI LANGAT
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
>>> Click here to stay ahead with the latest national news.
