First Lady Margaret Kenyatta advocates for alternative Rites of passage to replace FGM

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has lobbied stakeholders and communities to support the adoption of alternative rites of passage that involves mentorship to replace female genital mutilation (FGM).

“The proposal to take girls through a 15-day initiation programme comprising of sessions on mentorship into adulthood, healthy relationships, life skills training, basic home economics and the art of bead making is, indeed, welcome and the way forward,” the First Lady said.

The First Lady spoke in Nairobi on Monday when she launched the Johari Beads Bracelet initiative’s Market Scope Study and Business Model. Johari Beads Bracelet initiative is a programme of the Government and partners to promote the trade in beads in support of efforts to end FGM in the country by next year.

The First Lady encouraged stakeholders in the anti-FGM campaign to adopt the alternative rights of passage, urging responsible state agencies not to relent in their efforts to end the retrogressive practice.

“I also encourage our elders, as the custodians of culture, and all those who support them, including youth and women organisations, development partners, as well as civil society and religious organisations, to maintain this strong momentum towards eliminating FGM. We owe it to our women and girls,” she said.