KENYA: Sisters Intensify Battle Against FGM With Opening Of New Centre In Kajiado
The Loreto Sisters have opened a new centre at Isinya in Kajiado County, to support survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FMG) and create awareness among the communities who still do this cultural practice with a view to ending it.
The Loreto Abundant Life Centre Isinya Termination of Female Genital Mutilation (TFGM) project which was officially opened on Saturday, March 2, 2019, will offer training for community resource persons who will help to create awareness in the fight against FGM in communities.
The official opening was preceded by Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Bishop Emeritus of the Military Ordinariate, Rt. Rev. Alfred Rotich. The colourful function attracted donors and visitors from overseas and was attended by the Sisters who collaborate with the Project Director, Sr. Dr. Epheginia Gachiri, IBVM and local Government officials.
In his homily, Bishop Rotich commended Loreto Sisters for their commitment in the fight against FGM. “With the saying that a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, the Loreto Sisters have taken off and we must support them,” said Bishop Rotich.
He said God’s plans for abundant life are applicable to every human person, women included. “Any move to interfere with this including FGM must be fought as it works against God’s plan,” he said.
Sister Gachiri told the gathering that the battle against FGM has been a difficult venture but through the support of well-wishers, they have begun to see their work bear fruits. “It is by God’s will that we have managed to come this far,” said Sr. Gachiri.
“We have had good support from donors, communities and the National Government through the area chiefs. The woman, as part of God’s creation, was within His plan of abundant life and as such any move to interfere with that creation is against God’s plan; hence we oppose FGM. “
According to Sr. Gachiri, the UN statistics show that over 200 million women world-wide have been subjected to one type of abuse or another through FGM practices. Government representative at the event, Chief Moses Semenku of Keekonyokie South Location, gave assurance of the Government commitment to battling FGM among communities who continued with the outdated cultural practice.
“I wonder who is in support of this practice when the Government and Church have already said NO to it?” he said. “Today, close to 80% of this practice has been dealt with among the Maasai people. The challenge is how to achieve 100% success. Now that the Government and Church are working together, we are sure of reaching this milestone.”
∽End∽
By National Communication Network News Team
