Parents Warned Against FGM During Lengthy December Holiday
As schools close for the lengthy December break, parents have been warned against subjecting their daughters to the illegal practice of Female Genital Mutilation.
The warning comes at a time when the almost-eradicated retrograde practice is reportedly making a comeback.
Under the guise of visiting relatives in neighboring counties, families transport their adolescent daughters to neighboring counties for the practice during school breaks.
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Embu Deputy Governor Kinyua Mugo among other leaders warn of legal action, emphasizing that offenders will not destroy the lives of young females.
Speaking on Thursday at the graduation ceremony for over 800 ECDE learners who are transitioning to Grade 1 in Gachoka, Mbeere South Sub-County, the Director General stated that the practice robs victims of their dignity and future career aspirations, as many are forced to drop out of school out of disgrace.
He urged the public to report these instances to the police in order to end the infamous practice, stating that the community bears the greatest responsibility in the fight.
The DG urged parents to guarantee their children’s safety during the two-month break so that they do not fall victim to vices such as early pregnancy, which pose a significant threat to the education of girls in the county.
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“We must be vigilant and report any activity that poses a threat to our young women,” he said, urging members of society not to remain silent in the face of such illicit activity.
Murithi Kiura, MCA for Mbeti South, reiterated his sentiments, stating that the county assembly had enacted legislation criminalizing FGM with stringent legal penalties.
In addition, the leaders exhorted parents not to engage their children in child labor but rather to enroll them in programs such as mentoring that will assist in the formation of responsible adults.
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Parents Warned Against FGM During Lengthy December Holiday
