Addressing Harmful Practices in Wajir County
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has committed to working with various partners to combat child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and gender-based violence (GBV) in Wajir County. This pledge comes as part of a broader effort to address the persistent challenges that continue to affect the region.
Ibrahim Kassim, from the commission’s Garissa office, emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach involving communities, government bodies, and local organizations. His remarks were made during a capacity-building forum held in Wajir town, which focused on Kenya’s obligations in addressing harmful cultural practices and safeguarding the rights of women and girls.
Despite years of interventions by both the government and local communities, cases of FGM, early marriage, and GBV remain alarmingly high in the Northeastern region of Kenya. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022, FGM prevalence has dropped to 15 per cent nationally. However, in Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties, the figures remain stubbornly high at 83%, 97%, and 96% respectively.
Kassim warned that meaningful change will only be achieved through collective action. He stated, “As a commission, we pledge to strengthen partnerships with local organizations, county and national officials, religious and community leaders to expand advocacy and support networks across Wajir.”
Kenya is a signatory to several regional and international instruments aimed at protecting women and girls from gender-based violence, child marriage, and other harmful practices. Kassim reiterated that child marriage is illegal in Kenya and highlighted the importance of strengthening prevention and eradication efforts.
Challenges in Eradicating FGM
Fatuma Abdullahi, chairperson of the Wajir County Civil Society Consortium, pointed out that FGM remains rampant due to deep-rooted traditions, religious misinterpretations, and social pressure. She noted that Wajir County has one of the highest prevalence rates of FGM, with factors such as poverty and weak enforcement of existing laws contributing to the persistence of these harmful practices.
Fatuma urged all partners to take personal responsibility in ending the practice. “We all have a role to play in dismantling these harmful practices. I want to single out FGM as one that continues to be practiced with impunity,” she said.
Mohamed Noor, a former Wajir Town chief, emphasized the critical role of religious leaders in challenging the beliefs that sustain FGM. “We need to engage religious leaders in the fight against practices such as FGM. The commission should continue working closely with civil society groups, imams, and parents to end these practices,” he said.
Youth Engagement in the Fight Against Harmful Practices
Abdi Mohamed, a 35-year-old youth representative, expressed optimism about the role of young people in protecting girls from outdated cultural practices. He noted that while many women oppose FGM, the practice often occurs in their absence, driven by community pressure.
“Women and mothers are not the problem — in many cases, they are victims of pressure and tradition. Involving imams and madrassa teachers will help correct misconceptions that falsely justify FGM as a religious obligation,” Mohamed said.
Commitment to Change
Partners involved in the initiative pledged to intensify advocacy and community education efforts. Their goal is to ensure that women and girls in Wajir live free from violence and harmful traditions. This collaborative approach aims to create lasting change by addressing the root causes of these issues and fostering a culture of awareness and protection.