"YOU'RE THE ONES ENJOYING, PROTECT WOMEN FROM FGM."- PRES. RUTO TO MEN

To prevent female genital mutilation (FGM), President William Ruto has urged Kenyan males to defend women.

Speaking on Thursday, Ruto stated that even if it is for self-interest, males must take this action.

The president gave a speech at the Council of Governors Women caucus launch. 

He was adamant that FGM damages women and presents them with a host of difficulties.

Ruto went on to say that men ought to lead the charge in advocating for the outlawing of the practice of FGM.

It obliterates all that is admirable in women, he claimed.

 Men should step up and defend our women against female genital mutilation (FGM), even if it's done for personal gain. FGM ruins women. reduces their effectiveness and self-assurance and presents several obstacles.

 "You know what FGM is, so men should be the ones standing up against it. All that would be admirable in a woman is destroyed by it. It's us who have fun," Ruto remarked.

The head of state also urged women from high-risk counties to take extra precautions to guarantee that FGM ends.

FGM prevalence, according to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2022, is 15%.

With 83 percent of the 22 counties engaging in FGM, Garissa County has the greatest prevalence.

The Samburu community comes in second at 94%, and the Somali community leads at 98%.

To put an end to harmful and outdated customs like child "marriages" and FGM, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ordered National Administration Officers (NGAOs) to collaborate with counties and the community in February.

Due to the perception that FGM girls are ready for parenthood despite their young age, he claimed that FGM exposes girls to child "marriages."

"FGM is a deceptive shift that takes away girls' childhood memories as they embark on an unprepared, protracted, and painful adult life. Not for marriage, but for school. Girls are not moms; they are children. "They have to be in school," he remarked.