West Pokot Uses Mentoring In The Fight Against FGM And Child Marriage

Female genital mutilation (FGM) and early forced marriages have become widespread due to ineffective strategies for combating harmful practices in pastoral areas of West Pokot County in recent years.

However, a novel strategy that includes mentoring is producing fruitful outcomes, particularly for young girls in low-income, marginalized elementary schools. As a result, many girls who would have dropped out of school have increased their attendance, stayed in school longer, and improved their academic performance. They have also postponed marriages, which previously involved those as young as 13 years old.

The program, led by Governor Simon Kachapin’s wife, Scovia, and Woman Representative Rael Kasiwai, has assisted girls in learning life skills to successfully transition into adolescence, deal with issues related to FGM, overcome negative peer pressure, avoid risky sexual behavior, give birth to their first child later in life, and change negative attitudes toward education. Women leaders, professionals, and role models have joined the movement.

The girls are made more aware of controversial issues that affect them personally. Now the majority of them appreciate education. FGM, HIV/AIDS, early forced marriage, responsibility, life skills for girls, spiritual uplift, and health rights are a few of the topics addressed.

Speaking on Monday in Kapenguria, Ms. Kasiwai claimed that the effort was having a positive impact on many females. “We want to make sure that girls can access education. We appreciate the government’s commitment to upholding the anti-FGM statute.

She claimed that early marriages and FGM had been made dangerous for girls in each of the county’s 20 wards. The congressman made note of how the initiative is encouraging young ladies to focus on their ambitions and altering their mentality.

Many people leave school early and are married off young. Due to vices, many people lead difficult lives. We desire for our kids to value education. She stated that every child has a right to a fulfilling existence.

Retrogressive methods, according to Mrs. Kasiwai, must be opposed at all means because they have a severe impact on the girls. “We have inspired girls to give back to society by educating them on how to break the cycle of poverty.”

She asked parents to place a priority on their children’s safety, education, health, and nutrition. We urge parents to encourage girls’ education, give them power, and abandon outmoded customs.

She urged partners to expand access to high-quality education while also enhancing families’ and institutions’ ability to nurture and safeguard children from abuse and all forms of violence.

According to Ms. Kachapin, government officials should implement legislation to secure funding for the construction of rescue centers in order to combat regressive behaviors. She urged locals to support the 2011 anti-FGM law, saying that “talking will not be enough.” We are going to domesticate the law. Since males are the keepers of negative traditions, they must be included in the effort to eradicate the widespread bad habits.