Kenya Unites Ahead Of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, Emphasizing Stronger Alliances
In picture, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, Anne Wang`ombe giving her remarks during the media breakfast meeting ahead of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM in an hotel in Nairobi.
By Aoma Keziah,
The Anti-Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Board, a semi-autonomous government agency under the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage, is gearing up for the commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, which will take place on February 6, 2025. This day, officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, is observed annually to reaffirm global commitments to eliminate the harmful practice of FGM, which continues to affect millions of women and girls worldwide.
Ahead of the commemoration, the Anti-FGM Board hosted a media breakfast meeting to further accelerate its movement-building efforts. The event provided a platform for media representatives, advocacy groups, and partners to network, share insights, and strengthen collaborations. The meeting highlighted the role of the media in raising awareness and driving public engagement in the fight against FGM.
In attendance, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action Anne Wang`ombe, acknowledged Kenya’s progress in addressing FGM through legislative measures such as the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, 2011. She reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ending FGM highlighting the need for renewed efforts, especially in regions where the practice remains prevalent.
“We have made progress, but some regions still experience high rates of FGM due to cultural Practices and cross-border challenges. We must double ou effoits and accelerate action. I call upon all sectors of society to join the fight against FGM, 2025 theme being “Stepping up the pace: Strengthening alliances and building movements to end FGM.” She emphasized.
Mrs Ipato Surum. Chairperson ofthe Anti-FGM Board, in her message, stressed that FGM is not merely a cultural practice, it is a human rights violation, a form of gender based violence, and a significant barrier to the full participation of women and girls in society highlighting that the scars left by FGM are not just physical but emotional and psychological, often affecting a survivor’s entire life trajectory.
“FGM is a grave violation of human rights, and we must ensure that survivors have access to the necessary care and support for their healing.” She highlighted
Anti-FGM Board CEO Mrs Bernadette Loloju, emphasized on the alarming statistic that 4.4 million women and girls are at risk of FGM globally. This stark figure underscores the urgent need for a multisectoral approach to combat the practice. She pointed to the importance of leveraging existing community networks, particularly women’s groups (chamas), to foster conversations about FGM and boost economic empowerment as a means to reduce the economic pressures that often perpetuate the practice.
“We need to actively engage women S groups in the fight against FGM. These groups have the power to influence communities, and when combined with economic empowerment initiatives, they can play a significant role in eliminating FGM.” She explained
In collaboration with the Meru County Anti-FGM Steering Committee and various partners, the Anti-FGM Board will lead the country in marking the day at Maili Tatu Stadium in Igembe Central Sub-County, Meru County. The theme for this year’s observance, “Stepping up the Pace: Building Movements and Strengthening Alliances to End FGM,” underscores the importance of collective action in eradicating this harmful tradition. The goal is to foster societal transformation, challenge harmful gender norms, and promote gender equality by mobilizing communities, leaders, and stakeholders against FGM.
With the continued support of local and international partners, the Board is committed to coordinating public awareness programs, providing educational resources, and advocating for the enforcement of the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, 2011, which serves as the legal framework for addressing FGM in Kenya.
As the country prepares for the February 6 observance, the collective action being built is seen as critical in making lasting change. Strengthening alliances across sectors and creating a critical mass of individuals and organizations committed to the cause will play a key role in transforming attitudes and ending FGM once and for all.
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