In a concerted effort to raise awareness and combat gender-based violence (GBV) and female genital mutilation (FGM), a local NGO, Habiba International, alongside peace actors, has intensified its campaigns in remote areas of Mandera town. These efforts aim to curb the rise of such harmful practices.
In Khalalio town, Mandera East, Habiba International took the lead in organising the awareness campaign, focusing on an area where GBV and FGM have recently become more rampant.
Speaking at the event, Adow Harun, a representative of Habiba International, urged local residents to reject these harmful practices, emphasising the importance of eliminating GBV and FGM from the community’s religious and social practices.
‘Our local religious scholars (ulamaas) have spoken against these vices. There is no justification for anyone to continue these practices in our community,’ Harun stated.
Chief Ali Hussein of Khalalio town also delivered a stern warning to those found practicing GBV and FGM, emphasising that the law
will take its course.
‘We will not spare anyone found indulging in these acts. Arrests will be made, and perpetrators will be taken to court without delay,’ he affirmed.
Furthermore, the chief cautioned elders who might use the traditional Maslaha system (a form of community arbitration) to handle cases of FGM, noting that such negotiations will not be tolerated. ‘FGM is harmful, and elders should not engage in any negotiations when such cases arise,’ he added.
Although FGM remains a concern, the prevalence of the practice in Mandera has decreased by 0.2% over the past two years.
Source: Kenya News Agency