FGM and child marriages are big obstacles to women and girls’ empowerment

Female Genital Mutilation. [Courtesy]

The High Court’s ruling upholding the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) will give a much-needed boost to the fight against the vice.

Kenya outlawed FGM a decade ago. FGM-related offences attract a jail term of three years and a Sh200,000 fine. But the practice still persists as some communities see it as necessary for social acceptance and increasing their daughters' marriage prospects.