By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 27 May 2026 - The Anti-Female Genital Mutilation Board has intensified its nationwide “Dear Daughter” campaign aimed at ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), with survivors, mothers and local leaders rallying communities to protect girls from the harmful practice.
The latest campaign forum was held at Jamia Mosque Hall in Merti Sub-County, Isiolo County, where government officials, security agencies and women leaders engaged residents in discussions on the dangers of FGM and the need to safeguard future generations.
According to UNICEF, FGM comprises all procedures involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
Speaking during the forum, Merti Deputy County Commissioner Michael Kioni urged communities to abandon harmful cultural practices and prioritize the rights and safety of girls.
The campaign brought together FGM survivors who vowed to protect not only their daughters but also future generations from undergoing the practice.
“Ending FGM starts with families and communities making a conscious decision that girls deserve a safer and more dignified future,” one of the campaign organisers said during the engagement.
Among those present were Merti Sub-County Police Commander Rashid Juma, Administration Police Service Commander Vadross Mutuku and Merti Police Station OCS Nicodemus Mutunga.
The campaign comes days after a similar engagement in Marigat, Baringo County, where mothers from Kabarnet, Eldume, Koriema, Elngarua, Sandai, Lorobil, Ng’ambo and Marigat held conversations under the “Dear Daughter” initiative.
The women openly shared experiences about the traditions they grew up with and the future they hope to create for their daughters.
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“Ending FGM is not just about policies; it happens when a mother decides her daughter’s future will look different from her past,” the Anti-FGM Board said in a statement.
“It’s about communities listening to each other and creating a future free from FGM.”
The renewed campaign comes as the government unveiled a National Gender-Based Violence Reporting Platform aimed at strengthening reporting, protection and response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases.
Members of the public can now report GBV cases through the National GBV Reporting WhatsApp platform on +254724884444.
Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo said the digital platform will enhance access to timely support for survivors.
“This tool leverages widespread digital connectivity to provide immediate, automated and confidential psychological support, legal counselling and direct referral mechanisms for survivors of online and physical violence,” said Ms Cheptumo.
The government also launched Guidelines for Gender Mainstreaming into Climate Action during the Second Bi-Annual National Gender Sector Working Group meeting.
The framework seeks to integrate gender perspectives into climate change responses, particularly for women and vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by climate-related challenges.
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