This archive report was first published on 2 January 2020.
On January 2, 2020, Migori County Women Representative Pamela Odhiambo addressed hundreds of students from primary, secondary, and university institutions in the Kuria community at Nyamaharaga Mixed Secondary School in Kuria West, Migori County.
She emphasized the importance of education in promoting development and urged the community to shun outdated cultural practices, such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which hinder girls' access to education and rob them of their future.
According to 2019 KNEC statistics, Migori County has shown significant improvement in performance in KCPE and KCSE exams.
While early marriages resulting from FGM have decreased, the practice still persists in secret among the Kuria community.
Ms. Odhiambo called on leaders to encourage education among the youth and warned that if cultural vices are not tamed, access to education will collapse, bringing down the future generation with it.
Separately, in Tana River County, Gender Activist Mumina Harun has been promoted to the role of Chief due to her continued fight against FGM and early teenage pregnancy.
Ms. Harun, nicknamed the 'Iron Lady' by locals, has been a champion for girls' rights as an Assistant Chief of Konoramadha Madogo area for 11 years.
