Kuria: Gender actors from various organizations in Migori County have called for increased sensitization on harmful cultural practices and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) among the Kuria community. The call was made during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by Migori Community Traditional Negative Practice Mitigation Organization (MICONTRAP) in Mabera Sub County, Migori County.
According to Kenya News Agency, MICONTRAP is a community-based organization that fights harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), SGBV, and early marriages. The organization also supports girls’ education and school retention, offers counseling services, conducts community sensitization, and promotes the rights of women and children.
The meeting, aimed at sensitizing the Kuria community on harmful cultural practices and gender-related issues, brought together clan elders, health practitioners, children’s officers, religious leaders, and local administration officials. Speaking during the event, MICONTRAP chairperson Ms. Coleta Boke emphasized the program’s focus on educating young people about sexual and gender issues, enabling them to understand themselves better and contribute positively to national development.
Ms. Boke highlighted the collaboration between community leaders and various groups involved in the program to reach young people at different stages. She noted that youth ambassadors utilize songs and stage performances to educate communities on the dangers of FGM.
Ntimaru Sub County Administrator Mr. Sianu Wambura acknowledged the persistence of female genital mutilation due to resistance from sections of the community, posing challenges for government officers in efforts to reduce the practice. He also pointed out challenges related to national boundaries in Ntimaru, where some perpetrators of violence against children escape to neighboring Tanzania after cases are reported.
Mr. Wambura linked some cases of teenage pregnancy and incest to parental irresponsibility, citing inadequate housing arrangements that force boys and girls to share sleeping spaces or engage in ‘sleep borrowing.’ He emphasized that such conditions increase the risk of incest and teenage pregnancies, with incest cases being treated as defilement and legal action taken against perpetrators.
Pastor Gilbert Chacha of Maranatha Church condemned sodomy as an abomination and reiterated the church’s opposition to the practice. He emphasized the church’s commitment to advocating for moral values and protecting children within the community.
Assistant Chief of Kiegonga Sub-location in Mabera Sub County, Mrs. Robi Wilkister, praised the program for contributing to positive changes in the area, particularly regarding FGM, children’s rights, and education. She urged parents to fully take up their responsibilities, noting that FGM and poverty remain key contributors to school dropout rates among children.
Mrs. Robi further raised concerns about irresponsible sexual behavior among teenagers and called for guidance, counseling, education, and community support to address the issue. Meanwhile, the Children’s Officer for Mabera Sub County, Mrs. Janet Robi, stated that gender-based violence and female genital mutilation remain significant concerns in Kuria communities. She observed that while FGM was previously conducted openly, perpetrators have shifted to secret night operations, complicating authorities’ efforts to detect and stop the practice.
