By Norah Musega
museganorah@gmail.com
Efforts made by the government to curb Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Kuria region has impacted positively on the education sector as most girls have reported back to school compared to previous years.
This is according to Migori County Commissioner Meru Mwangi who said that effective anti-FGM measures were put in top gear to ensure the menace is eradicated in the area.
“During the prolonged holiday, when most young girls are often cut, we managed to rescue over 945 girls and protected them in five rescue centres. However, about 20 girls were subjected to cuts after leaving while some among them were transported to Tanzania for the cuts,” he noted.
He added that one of the measures which saw the practice reduce in the region included arresting of parents, cutters and FGM sympathizers.
“Anybody under the age of 18 years cannot give consent for any sexual act or FGM, and therefore has the right to be protected against any form of molestation. We are therefore not only concerned about the 2022 grade six, class eight and form four candidates in continuing their education, but also to ensure that all learners are accorded their right to education until they are able to make decisions for themselves,” he said.
While speaking at Sunrise Hotel in Kehancha town where all media stakeholders gathered to celebrate World Radio Day, he applauded the mainstream media for highlighting some of the challenges in the society which have attracted prompt responses from relevant parties.
The one-day event organized by the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) was held on February 13 to give an opportunity to media stakeholders to share their experiences with journalists and media outlets and reflect on its role towards the society.
“We are glad that journalists in Migori County have not only disseminated information for money but also to inform and educate the public through highlighting issues within the region for development and response from relevant authorities,” noted Mwangi.
His sentiments on the major role played by the media in peace-building and national cohesion were echoed by Nyanza Region MCK Coordinator Teddy Evans.
Teddy added: “We opted to bring in the office of the County Commissioner and Commander since they directly deal with security and peace issues in the society and are able to tell where the input of the media is greatly needed. We, the media team, have agreed with other stakeholders to work together going forward to ensure every piece of information given to the audience will help in positive decision-making.”
County Commander Mark Wanjala called on the journalists to verify information they get with his office before publication saying this will hinder dissemination of false information and its consequent effects.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Chair Dr. Tobias Ogola also applauded the contribution of the media and the CSOs which have been working round the clock to ensure the FGM menace is eradicated not only in Migori but also across the country.
Ogola called for continuous collaboration to ensure girls whose lives are threatened by such cultural practices are rescued and their education catered for.
