Embobut residents pledge to end FGM

More than 3,000 residents of Embobut, Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County, have signed a declaration to abandon Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and instead protect and empower girls.

The residents committed themselves during a ceremony at St. Michael’s Secondary School in Embobut, pledging to work with community leaders and other stakeholders to eradicate the practice.

Youth representative Sonita Sonaiya said the declaration marked an important step in safeguarding girls and promoting their education.

“I am honoured to represent the youth of Elgeyo Marakwet in this important call for change. Our girls deserve to grow up safe, educated, empowered and free to dream beyond the hills,” she said.

Sonaiya urged the community to shift its focus from FGM to initiatives that empower girls and improve their prospects.

“The world is moving forward. We cannot be the only ones still thinking about circumcising our girls. It is high time we sat down and found ways of empowering them,” she said.

“The signatures made today are the beginning of safety for our girls. Together, we can build communities where every girl is protected, every woman is valued, and every child has an opportunity to reach their full potential,” she added.

A mother and resident of Embobut, Jebet Risper, said the community was determined to honour the commitment and end FGM.

“We have pledged to end this vice and protect our girls. As parents, we have a responsibility to ensure our daughters grow up safely and get an opportunity to pursue their education,” Risper said.

Kipruto Joel called on men to take a leading role in efforts to eradicate FGM, saying the campaign could not succeed without their support.

“Men must rally behind the efforts to end FGM because they have an important role to play in changing attitudes and protecting our girls,” he said.

Area Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Caleb Kibet urged residents to identify and engage people still involved in carrying out FGM and persuade them to abandon the practice.

“We want to end FGM completely. We want to identify those who carry out FGM and tell them to stop so that we can have a December that is FGM-free,” Kibet said.

The residents pledged to work with local leaders and other stakeholders to protect girls from FGM and create an environment where they can remain in school and pursue opportunities without being subjected to the practice.

The declaration marks a renewed community commitment to ending FGM and promoting the safety and wellbeing of girls in Embobut.

By Rennish Okong’o