Addressing FGM in Meru County
Ten teenage girls were detained by Police in Maua, Meru County after undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM). The girls were rounded up in an overnight raid on suspected FGM hideaways at Giika Location in Igembe South.
Giika Location Chief Gervese Mucheke said that they had arrested along with the girls a woman who is believed to be the one who carried out the circumcision. Parents of the affected girls and an assistant chief who attempted to cover up the matter by hiding two of the circumcised girls were also taken into custody.
In Kenya, the legal consequences for those who perform FGM are servere, as outlined in the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act (2011). The law criminalizes FGM and prescribes various penalties for offenders. Specifically, individuals found guilty of performing FGM face a minimum prison sentence of three years, a fine of KES 200,000 or both.
The High Court of Kenya recently upheld the Constitutionality of this anti-FGM legislation, emphasizing that the practice violates women’s right to health and dignity. In the cases where FGM results in death, it violates the woman’s right to life. The Court also clarified that consent from the individual undergoing FGM does not absolve the perpetrator from legal responsibility.
In Meru County, several locally led initiatives are actively combating FGM. These initiatives focus on community engagement and education to change cultural perceptions and practices surrounding FGM. Some of the Key efforts include:
- Alternative Ritualistic Programs (ARPs): One prominent initiative is the “Ntanira na mugambo” (Circumcision with words) program, which empowers young girls to resist the cut. These ARPs serve as culturally sensitive alternatives to traditional circumcision, allowing communities to celebrate rites of passage without resorting to FGM. They combine education with community engagement to promote awareness about the dangers of FGM and the importance of preserving girls’ health and rights.
- Community Sensitization: Intensive media outreach and community sensitization campaigns have been implemented to raise awareness about the harmful effects of FGM. These efforts involve various stakeholders, including policymakers, religious leaders and civil society organizations, to foster a collective stance against the practice.
- Involvement of Fathers: Initiatives encourage fathers to take an active role in the upbringing of their daughters. Engaging men in discussions about FGM is crucial for changing attitudes and ensuring that girls are protected from the practice.
- Educational Integration: There is a push to include discussions about FGM in school curricula and public forums. This educational approach aims to inform young people about the risks associated with FGM. It also helps promote gender equality from a young age.
- Community Policing Strategies: The Nyumba Kumi Community Policing Strategy is being strengthened to enhance local surveillance and reporting of FGM Practices. This initiative encourages communities to work together to monitor and report cases of FGM, thereby increasing accountability.
- Religious Leadership: Churches and religious leaders play a critical role in challenging the practice of FGM within communities. Their involvement is essential in shifting cultural norms and promoting messages that align with health and human rights.
As these troubling recent developments in Maua show, there is still some way to go in the fight against FGM in the country. The main barriers to ending the practice include:
- Cultural Resistance: FGM is deeply rooted in local traditions and cultural beliefs. Many families continue to practice FGM due to societal pressures and the perception that it is a rite of passage for girls. This cultural significance makes it challenging to eradicate the practice, as some community members resist change.
- Secrecy and Underground Practices: Following the legal prohibition of FGM in 2011, the practice has often gone underground, making it difficult for authorities and anti-FGM advocates to monitor and address. Families may perform FGM secretly, which complicates enforcement and intervention efforts.
- Lack of Coordinated Efforts: Anti-FGM initiatives often lack coordination and may not address the root causes of the practice. Many interventions are isolated and do not effectively change the underlying cultural attitudes that support FGM. This disjointed approach limits the effectiveness of campaigns aimed at ending the practice.
- Gender Dynamics: The involvement of men in the decision making process regarding FGM is critical. In many cases, men hold significant influence over whether girls undergo the procedure, and their support in ending FGM is essential. Engaging men and fathers in discussions about the harmful effects of FGM is necessary for sustainable change.
- Educational Gaps: There is a need for increased education about the dangers of FGM and the rights of girls. Many community members, particularly young men, may not be fully aware of the health risks associated with FGM. Including FGM education in the school curriculum and community forums can help shift perceptions reduce the practice.
- Economic Factors: In some cases, families may highly value economic benefits linked to FGM, such as increased bride or social status. Addressing these economic incentives can be crucial for changing attitudes towards FGM.
- Limited Resources for Advocacy: Anti-FGM advocates often face challenges in securing adequate resources and support for their initiatives. This limitation can hinder the implementation of effective programs and outreach efforts aimed at educating communities about the harmful effects of FGM.
Addressing these challenges will require a multifaceted approach that combines legal enforcement, community education and cultural sensitivity to effectively combat FGM in Meru County.
