President William Ruto has today Thursday, March 7, 2024 issued a compelling call to action, urging men to take a stand against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and protect the well-being of women. His impassioned plea came during the launch of the G7 strategy aimed at expanding women’s leadership in devolved units, where he emphasized the crucial role men play in combating FGM.

“Men should be champions against FGM because you know what it is. FGM destroys everything that would be good in a woman,” President Ruto stated, highlighting the devastating consequences of the practice on women’s lives.

Expressing deep concern over the prevalence of early pregnancies, President Ruto stressed the importance of addressing the underlying issues contributing to this challenge. He called on both male and female leaders to join forces in safeguarding children, particularly girls, from the harmful effects of FGM, early marriages, and early pregnancies.

“I urge women leaders, as well as men leaders, to work together to protect our children, especially from FGM, early marriages, and early pregnancies, as these practices are jeopardizing the future of many of our children,” President Ruto implored.

The latest data from the Kenyan Demographic & Health Survey (KDHS) for 2022 reveals that FGM prevalence in the country stands at 15%, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action to eliminate this harmful practice.