You have role in fight against Female Genital Mutilation, Danish High Commissioner Geert Andersen tells leaders

Danish Ambassador Geert Andersen

Danish High Commissioner Geert Andersen wants leaders in Kuria to lead the fight against female genital mutilation in the region.

This comes barely a month after some 9,000 girls were circumcised in the region.

Andersen, who was on a three-day tour of the region to inspect development projects funded by Danish Government, said FGM denies girls in the region opportunity to continue with their education.

"If leaders take the initiative to lead the fight against this practice, then it can be eradicated. However, some of them have opted to be silent as the practice goes on and that is why efforts to fight it have not achieved much," he said.

He added: "People will often follow what the leaders say and do. The young girls who are forced to undergo the rite have been let down by the leaders."

Health risks

The envoy pledged the Danish government's support in the fight against the practice in the region.

Kuria is among regions in the country where FGM still thrives, with a section of leaders being accused of supporting the practice to win votes.

Migori County Executive for Health Elijah Odhiambo said the outdated rite of passage exposes girls to numerous health hazards including HIV.

"In most cases the practice is carried out in the bushes where hygiene is compromised, many victims risk contracting diseases. Others often bleed to death," said Odhiambo.

He commended churches and schools that have been coming to the rescue of girls who refuse to undergo the initiation.

"We laud churches and schools that offered shelter to girls who were being pursued to undergo the cut. It is time we gave our girls in Kuria a chance to realize their full potential. And this can only be achieved through allowing them to acquire education," he noted.

More than 800 girls escaped forced FGM in Kuria in December.