By Lauryne Akoth
The head of state today encouraged men to protect women by being the champions against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Speaking at the G-7 strategy launch in Nairobi, the head of state remarked about his support for the office of the first lady and advocated for her office to prioritize children in their agenda.
“There are some sad statistics out there and I am glad that I am speaking to women leaders. Statistics show that Kenya is the second highest in the world with early pregnancies.”
The president urged women leaders to work with their male counterparts to protect children against early marriages and FGM.
“I am asking women leaders as I do to men leaders to work in concert to protect our children, especially from FGM, early marriages, and early pregnancies because it is destroying the future of our children.”
He further added that men should come forward to protect women against FGM. “Men should come forward and protect our women against FGM even if it is for selfish reasons. FGM destroys women and makes them less confident and less effective.”
“In fact, men should be champions against FGM because you know what it is.FGM destroys everything that would be good in a woman. We are the ones who enjoy,” said the president.
He emphasized that men should speak against FGM, especially women who come from counties with the prevalence of FGM.
He vowed to expedite efforts in preventing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Moreover, he pledged to implement the constitutional gender inclusion requirement and pursue innovative approaches for gender inclusivity, aiming to substantially improve the financial inclusion of women.