We'll eradicate FGM in the next 10 Years-Gender CS Prof Margaret Kobia vows

L-R:Narok Woman Rep Soipan Tuya,Maasai Mara University VC Prof Mary Walingo and Gender CS Margaret Kobia at Maasai Mara University Hall during the National Anti-FGM Conference on February 3,2019. [PHOTO:ROBERT KIPLAGAT]

The Government is hoping to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) within the next 10 years.

Public Service, Youth Affairs and Gender Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia said her office was using policies and aggressive campaigns to deal with the vice.

The CS, speaking during an anti-FGM conference at Maasai Mara University yesterday, said: “The Government will not sit and watch as women suffer socially and emotionally because of this retrogressive cultural practice.”

She added: “With the dignity, health and well-being of millions of girls at stake, there is no time to waste. Together, let us end this harmful practice.” 

Feel insecure

Prof Kobia noted that FGM made women feel insecure and degraded.

She said it made the women unable to compete at the same level with men.

The 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey of 2014 indicates that FMG is still high among some communities.

Narok Woman Representative Soipan Kudate said she would lead campaigns against FMG in the county that is among those known to practice FGM.

Area Senator Ledama ole Kina said: “To solve a problem, you must understand its cause. That is why my office is carrying out a survey to understanding why the Maasai community is passionate about FGM.”