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Leaders have called for stricter legal penalties against perpetrators of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) which is considered one of the most harmful practices that affect young girls and women throughout their lives.

During this year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, Cabinet Secretary of Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage Aisha Jumwa urged stakeholders to shield the girl child from FGM perpetrators and emphasised the importance of investing in interventions led by survivors. “Collectively, we must raise awareness, educate communities, and push for legislation and policies that safeguard girls and women from this detrimental practice,” stated CS Jumwa, who graced the event at Sambirir Girls High School.

Deputy Governor Prof Grace Cheserek emphasised the need for prosecuting cases related to FGM and gender-based violence. “Let’s tirelessly work towards ending FGM and ensuring every girl grows up free from harm, with her rights fully respected,” urged Cheserek.

Meanwhile, in Garissa, stakeholders opposing FGM raised alarm over a concerning trend known as Professional Female Genital Mutilation, where residents are increasingly turning to qualified doctors instead of traditional practitioners for the procedure.