By Esnahs Adhiambo,
This time we Engaged more girls and women for they are the survivors of FGM. We also engaged boys and male youths for they are the future husbands so they must understand the concept of FGM and be part of the guard towards achieving zero FGM.
It’s easy to reach them through one on one, radio talks, and TV shows, and also engaging the married on FGM for most people don’t understand the reason behind a no urge of security in marriage in most mutilated women.
The success:
It was successful, the Q&A during the sessions. The large audience was noticed. The direct feedback from the people
and the declaration of the Gusii anti-FGM movement.
Difficulties:
Res: Yes this was due to the high no of local stations both radio and television, and at a time they want to host you at a different time, some are as far as 8km from town 12 km.
And you find yourself unable to reach due to the expense to move around, sometimes it’s at night and you need to go far so sometimes I opt to let go of the airtime
Strong messages:
- The declaration of the Anti-FGM movement.
- The call was from a doctor who urged the community to let go of the vise and urged his colleagues to stop the cutting.
- The Chiefs and Ass chiefs are ready to work with the anti-FGM team to arrest and hold community engagement
- The traditional culture holders are still adamant. The learned women are the main perpetrators of FGM.
- The medicalization of FGM is an issue still.
- Our plans for our next campaign:
- Start from the medical team
- Engage the administration
- Engage schools in both primary and secondary
- Engage the clergy
- Engage in more community barazas and dialogue streamed live. Have more community, CSOs, and media engagement forums.
