We must address emerging issues fuelling FGM

Anti FGM crusaders and Community Based Organisations match in Kisii town to mark International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. [File, Standard]

As we continue our fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya, it is clear that while significant progress has been made, new and complex challenges are emerging. These challenges require our unwavering resolve and a collaborative approach to ensure that every girl and woman lives free from the threat of this harmful practice.

FGM remains a significant issue in Kenya, where approximately 15 per cent of women and girls aged 15-49 have undergone the practice, according to the most recent data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS).

While this marks a decline from previous years, certain regions and communities still exhibit alarmingly high prevalence rates. For instance, the prevalence of FGM among the Somali community in Kenya is as high as 94 per cent. The same is the case in the Kisii community at around 84 per cent.

What is particularly alarming is the emerging trend of young girls seeking to undergo FGM on their own accord. In some cases, girls as young as 12 are pressuring their parents or guardians to allow them to be cut, believing that this will enhance their marriage prospects or social standing within their communities.

In other cases, some women are opting to undergo FGM to attain cultural acceptance, social status, and a strong sense of identity and respect in their communities. This underscores the urgent need for targeted education campaigns to dismantle the myths that perpetuate this practice and empower girls and women to reject FGM.

Additionally, there is a disturbing resurgence of cultural practices in certain communities that include FGM as a rite of passage. This clamour to revive traditional practices poses a significant challenge to the progress we have made. It is essential to engage with community leaders and influencers to advocate for cultural practices that uphold human rights and dignity rather than those that harm and endanger the lives of women and girls.

Education remains a cornerstone in our fight against FGM. Data consistently shows that women and girls with higher levels of education are less likely to undergo FGM.

For instance, among Kenyan women with no formal education, the prevalence of FGM is around 56 per cent while among those with more than secondary education, the prevalence drops to 5.9 per cent.

Schools and community programmes must prioritise FGM awareness, integrating it into the broader curriculum to reach both girls and boys. By teaching young people about the dangers of FGM and the rights of girls to make decisions about their bodies, we can foster a culture of respect, equality, and health that will endure. Furthermore, engaging parents and community elders in educational initiatives is crucial, as their support can significantly influence the choices that girls make.

One of the most troubling developments in the fight against FGM is the involvement of some health workers in perpetuating this vice. According to a study by the Population Council, around 14 per cent of FGM procedures in Kenya are now carried out by health professionals. This medicalisation of FGM is a disturbing trend that gives the practice a veneer of legitimacy, which is both dangerous and misleading.

Health workers who engage in this practice violate their ethical obligations and undermine the very foundation of public health. It is essential to enforce stringent regulations and hold these individuals accountable. Medical associations must ensure that all health workers are committed to safeguarding the rights and health of women and girls.

As we confront these emerging challenges, it is clear that the fight against FGM cannot be won by one organisation or sector alone. We call on all our partners—government agencies, civil society, international organisations, and community leaders—to join us in intensifying our awareness campaigns.

Together, we must reach every corner of this country and beyond, spreading the message that FGM has no place in our society.

Finally, we are guided by the global framework of Sustainable Development Goal 5.3, which aims to eliminate all harmful practices, including FGM, by 2030. Achieving this target requires a collective effort and a steadfast commitment to protecting the rights of every girl and woman.

The road ahead is challenging, but we must remain resolute. The future of our girls depends on it. Let us continue to work together to end FGM to ensure that every girl grows up free from harm, free from fear, and free to realise her full potential.