Women leaders in Garissa have issued a stern warning to local chiefs who are allegedly aiding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
According to the leaders, some chiefs are colluding and aiding the perpetration of FGM and other evil cultural practices against women and girls.
Speaking during the International day for Zero Tolerance against FGM in Garissa Town on Thursday, the leaders led by Ijara MP Sophia Abdi Noor vowed to expose rogue chiefs.
The Ijara legislator noted that FGM remains a big problem in North Eastern region.
She observed that the cultural practice has ruined the lives of innocent girls.
“It is unfortunate that people who are supposed to be protecting constitutional rights of our girls and women are the same people who are violating them,” she said.
Garissa nominated Senator Falhadha Iman who attended the forum asked leaders to unite against FGM and other social and cultural evils perpetuated on women.
“FGM is a violation of the rights of women and girls because it infringes on their right to privacy, education and dignity,” the nominated senator said.
A study done by UNICEF in 2017 revealed that 96 percent of Somali women and girls undergo FGM every year.
Garissa and Wajir leaders by 94 percent of FGM cases, according to UNICEF
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