By Catherine Thiakunu,

Weru FM hosted a talk show with Catherine Thiakunu, an activist was hosted @ Weru Fm as a youth champion to discuss in detail the role of men in ending FGM and how the community members can be whistleblowers this is after a sensitization session on the effects of FGM and the anti-FGM act.

The Radio Show:

These sessions acted as a reminder to the community not to cut their girls and make them demystify the myths surrounding FGM and help change their perception. The community got educated on the anti-FGM act and the penalties involved.

Topics covered:

Types of FGM, Myths, and beliefs, the effect of FGM, and How should every member of the community be involved in ending FGM and FGM law in Kenya.

Project success:

Weru FM is a 24-hour radio station broadcasting in the Meru dialect and targeting the larger Mount Kenya East region that covers Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Isiolo, and Laikipia Counties, and Kenya’s capital Nairobi.

With a population reach of over 11 million people.

During the show, we received calls and messages for the show to be more frequent to address more questions, especially on the effects of FGM.

There was an emerging trend of FGM medicalization in Meru county.

Strong messages:

How young men are contributing to the rise of FGM in Meru county because of the return of the traditional method of male circumcision.

Unexpected wins:

The wins are the listeners were more interactive through phone calls, and messages by asking questions and clarification during the show. The challenge was that some of the questions asked required medical personnel which we promised to involve during our show next time.

Next time:

Bring medical personnel to the show to tackle medical questions which were left unanswered last time.