Strengthening the Fight Against FGM: Isiolo Marks International Day of Zero Tolerance

Isiolo County, Kenya – The fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) gained renewed momentum as the Isiolo Regional Office joined key stakeholders in commemorating the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. This global observance, dedicated to eradicating the harmful practice, brought together government agencies, civil society organisations, community leaders, and human rights advocates to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding the rights of women and girls.

The event, held in Isiolo County, was graced by Anti-FGM Board Kenya CEO Bernadette Loloju, who lauded the relentless efforts of various organisations, including the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), in championing public education and policy advocacy to eliminate FGM. The Commission’s unwavering dedication to the cause was recognised through special awards presented to the institution and two of its officers for their exemplary contributions to the End FGM campaign.

Despite legislative milestones, FGM remains a deeply entrenched cultural practice in parts of Kenya, particularly in counties such as Isiolo, Marsabit, and Samburu. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022, the national prevalence of FGM has reduced significantly over the years, currently standing at 15% among women aged 15-49. However, pockets of resistance persist, with some communities continuing to perform the act clandestinely, often across borders or under medicalisation.

The persistence of FGM is attributed to entrenched cultural beliefs, patriarchal norms, and misinformation, making grassroots interventions crucial.

The practice not only violates the fundamental human rights of women and girls but also leads to devastating health complications, including severe bleeding, infections, childbirth complications, and psychological trauma.

The Isiolo event underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in tackling FGM. Representatives from government agencies, law enforcement, the judiciary, healthcare providers, religious leaders, and youth-led organisations engaged in panel discussions and strategic deliberations aimed at reinforcing anti-FGM efforts.

NGEC reaffirmed its commitment to community sensitisation, legal enforcement, and survivor support to eradicate the practice entirely. The Commission’s strategy aligns with Kenya’s Anti-FGM Act (2011) and the Presidential commitment to end FGM by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which advocates for gender equality and the elimination of harmful practices.

During the event, survivors shared powerful testimonies, shedding light on the long-term consequences of FGM and the urgent need for community-led interventions. Youth and womenled groups were also recognised for their role in advocacy and peer education.

Education remains a key pillar in dismantling the myths surrounding FGM. Through targeted public awareness campaigns, organisations such as NGEC and the Anti-FGM Board have empowered communities with knowledge on the dangers of the practice and the legal repercussions for perpetrators.

Notably, alternative rites of passage have emerged as a culturally sensitive solution, allowing communities to uphold their traditions without harming young girls. These initiatives have proven successful in various counties, demonstrating that change is possible when communities are actively involved in the dialogue.

As Kenya continues its fight against FGM, the call to action remains clear— stakeholders must amplify awareness, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and support survivors to ensure the total eradication of this harmful practice. Every girl deserves to grow up in a safe environment, free from the fear of being subjected to FGM.

The Isiolo commemoration served as a powerful reminder that while progress has been made, the battle is far from over. With unwavering commitment, strategic partnerships, and sustained advocacy, Kenya can achieve its goal of eliminating FGM once and for all.

Isiolo Regional Head, Lotaruk Nahashon, receives a certificate from the CEO of the Anti-FGM Board Kenya, Bernadette Loloju