ActionAid Kenya joined national and county governments, community leaders, and partners at Rekeke Primary School in Taveta to observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The event brought together leaders from national and county governments, cultural and religious institutions, and community representatives from multiple counties, including champions supported by ActionAid Kenya from Kajiado and Garissa. Among those present were Hon. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage; Hon. Christine Saru Kilalo, Deputy Governor of Taita Taveta County; Hon. Lydia Haika, Women Representative; and Hon. Anne Wang’ombe, Principal Secretary.
ActionAid Kenya, with support from its partners, continues to spearhead initiatives aimed at eliminating FGM and other forms of violence against women and girls. The organization engages girls, women, and men as allies and works closely with community leaders to create safe spaces for girls while challenging harmful cultural practices.
“Our programmes focus not only on ending FGM but also on addressing the broader spectrum of gender-based violence that infringes on the rights and opportunities of girls,” said Jane Kigen, Programme Manager, Partnership and Local Rights Programme Coordination, ActionAid Kenya. “Through collaboration with communities, policymakers, and duty bearers, we are making steady progress in protecting girls across high-prevalence counties.”
Speaking at the event, CS Hanna Wendot Cheptumo emphasized the importance of collective responsibility.
“The government remains focused on ensuring that girls are fully protected, including sealing loopholes associated with cross-border cutting and strengthening enforcement measures to prevent perpetrators from exploiting gaps in the law. It is only through strong partnerships with communities and civil society that we can eradicate this harmful practice,” she said
The event also highlighted Kenya’s progress in reducing the prevalence of FGM, which has declined nationally from 38% in 1998 to 15% in 2022 (KDHS 2022). In Taita Taveta County, the prevalence stands at 17%. Leaders stressed that sustained commitment, community empowerment, and multi-sectoral approaches are essential to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of girls.
As Kenya and the world observe this global day, ActionAid Kenya reaffirms its commitment to advancing gender equality and ending FGM in the eight high-prevalence counties of Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, Isiolo, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Kajiado, where we are implementing projects to eradicate FGM. Our programmes and projects to end FGM, combat other forms of violence, and advance gender equality are made possible through the support of the European Union in Kenya via UNFPA Kenya, Irish Aid, and our funding affiliates through our child sponsorship programs.