Garissa marks International Women’s Day with call to end FGM, early marriage

Schoolgirls were on Saturday sensitised against sexual violence, early marriage, and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as Garissa County marked International Women’s Day at Yathrib Girls’ Secondary School in Garissa Town.

During the event, women’s rights activists from various organisations emphasised the need to address the rampant cases of sexual violence against schoolgirls, which occur both at home and in school, as well as the prevalence of early marriage and FGM.

Zeitun Aden, the Garissa County Director for Gender, encouraged girls to speak out against sexual violence inflicted upon them.

"Let’s not remain silent. We need to inform our parents, teachers, and the police in case of sexual violence within 72 hours," she said.

She called upon organisations fighting against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to unite in ending cases where community elders mediate sexual violence incidents through the local Maslah court.

"We need these cases to be handled in a court of law for victims to get justice—no to alternative systems of justice," she insisted.

Irshad Yussuf, a human rights activist, stated that Garissa-based agencies fighting against GBV had successfully ensured that 13 sexual violence cases were forwarded to the Garissa court in the past year, with nine resulting in convictions.

"Sexual offenders are now behind bars serving jail terms after we said no to Maslah courts," he revealed.

Fatuma Ahmed Badhi, a human rights defender, urged young girls to be cautious around both relatives and strangers.

Zamzam Mohamed of ActionAid encouraged the girls to dial 21094 for help in case they were sexually assaulted, abused, or harassed.

"Once you dial, you will be rescued. Any information you provide through the helpline to protect other girls will remain confidential," she said.

The event, which was celebrated with songs, dances, and poems highlighting the strength of women, also saw several organisations donate sanitary pads and milk to the schoolgirls.

Ebla Minhaj, the Garissa County CEC for Education, ICT, and Skills Development, who was the chief guest, urged parents to help bridge the widening gender disparity in the region, where girls are often denied access to basic education.

She noted that the gender gap in education for girls was increasing and called on both the government and non-governmental organisations to intensify efforts to address the issue.

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She also cautioned young girls against early and forced marriages and encouraged them to excel in digital literacy while resisting negative influences from social media.

Hawa Abdi Sahal, the Garissa County CEC for Gender, used the occasion to strongly advocate against FGM.

Meanwhile, Abdiwahab Mohamed, the Northeastern Regional Coordinator for the National Gender and Equality Commission, warned schoolgirls against using unauthorised skin-lightening and treatment products, highlighting the serious health risks they pose.

He praised recent campaigns launched against the rampant use of such products.