In a significant move to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), more than 3,000 residents of Embobut, Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County, have pledged to abandon the practice and protect girls. The commitment was made during a ceremony at St. Michael’s Secondary School in Embobut, where residents vowed to work with community leaders and stakeholders to end FGM. This collective effort aims to safeguard girls and promote their education and empowerment.
The pledge was welcomed by youth representative Sonita Sonaiya, who emphasized the importance of protecting girls and promoting their education. Sonaiya, representing the youth of Elgeyo Marakwet, called for a shift in focus from FGM to initiatives that empower girls and improve their prospects. She urged the community to adapt to changing times and find ways to empower girls, rather than continuing outdated practices.
Sonaiya highlighted the significance of the declaration, stating that it marked a crucial step towards ensuring girls grow up safe, educated, and empowered. She emphasized that the community's signatures were a commitment to building a safer future for girls, where they can pursue their dreams without being subjected to FGM. The youth representative's sentiments were echoed by Jebet Risper, a mother and resident of Embobut.
Risper expressed her community's determination to honor their commitment and end FGM. As a parent, she acknowledged the responsibility to ensure daughters grow up safely and pursue their education. Risper's views were supported by Kipruto Joel, who called on men to play a leading role in efforts to eradicate FGM. Joel emphasized that the campaign's success depended on men's support in changing attitudes and protecting girls.
Area Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Caleb Kibet urged residents to identify and engage individuals still involved in carrying out FGM, persuading them to abandon the practice. Kibet emphasized the goal of completely ending FGM, with a focus on making December FGM-free. The residents' pledge to work with local leaders and stakeholders aims to create an environment where girls can remain in school and pursue opportunities without being subjected to FGM.
The declaration marks a renewed community commitment to ending FGM and promoting the safety and wellbeing of girls in Embobut. According to the Kenya News Agency, the community's efforts are geared towards protecting girls from FGM and creating a supportive environment for their education and empowerment. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the community, inspiring other areas to adopt similar initiatives.
The collective effort in Embobut demonstrates a significant step towards eradicating FGM in Kenya. With over 3,000 residents pledging to abandon the practice, the community has shown its commitment to protecting girls and promoting their education and empowerment. Key stakeholders, including community leaders and government officials, are expected to support the initiative, ensuring its success and sustainability.
Key points
- Over 3,000 residents of Embobut pledge to abandon FGM and protect girls.
- The community commits to working with local leaders and stakeholders to end FGM.
- The initiative aims to promote girls' education and empowerment, and create a supportive environment for their development.
