This archive report was first published on 27 October 2021.
On October 27, 2021, a major milestone was achieved in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other forms of gender-based violence in Tharaka Nithi County with the establishment of a rescue centre.
The 100-bed-capacity facility, constructed in Tharaka Constituency by ChildFund, will provide a safe haven for girls rescued from violent homes, including those subjected to FGM, early marriages, and sexual abuse.
Speaking during the opening of the facility, ChildFund National Programs Coordinator Emily Kanana noted that Tharaka Nithi is among counties where FGM is still practiced.
"This facility will accommodate girls either rescued, or run away from any form of violence including FGM, early marriages and sexual abuse," said Ms Kanana.
She emphasized that a trained counsellor and a social worker will be available at the facility to offer victims psychosocial support.
Staff at the facility will also sensitise families and communities where abused girls come from, on the importance of respecting and upholding girls' rights.
"Since we cannot remain with the rescued girls forever, we will make sure their homes are safe before we reunite them where possible," Ms Kanana said.
However, in instances where the matter is in court, the girl will remain at the facility until the case is fully heard and determined.
Those in primary school will be enrolled at Kamarandi Primary School, while those in secondary school will join Kamarandi Secondary School to continue with their learning.
ChildFund Country Director Alice Anukur highlighted the need to protect girls from sexual harassment, noting that one out of three girls in the country (30 per cent) experience this form of violence.
Ms Anukur revealed that the ChildFund program had reached 100 million children across the world and protected them from various forms of violence.
ChildFund Programs and Sponsorship Director, Dr Issa Kipera, said rescued girls aged 0-14 years will be sensitised on sexual reproductive health and life skills, while those aged 15-24 years, will be equipped with self-employment skills.
Marimanti Ward Member of Tharaka Nithi County Assembly Susan Ngugi lauded the program and challenged other players to establish similar programs.
She noted that the Assembly had passed an anti-FGM Bill, enabling the county government to come up with programs to fight the retrogressive cultural practice.
Statistics from the anti-FGM Board show that more than four million women and girls in the country between the ages of 15 to 49 are living with negative effects of FGM.
Girls as young as 10 years in some parts of Tharaka North, Tharaka South, and Igambang'ombe sub-counties undergo the 'cut'.
President Uhuru Kenyatta launched a national policy on eradication of FGM by 2022 in 2019.
