Concern mounts among human rights organizations as a limited number of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) instances surface

Concern mounts among human rights organizations as a limited number of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) instances surface

In a significant stride towards combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya, the focus has shifted towards improving the forensic and legal skills of medical professionals. This strategic move aims to enhance the collection, preservation, and presentation of critical medical evidence, which is currently a key challenge causing many FGM cases to fail in court.

The recent workshop in Narok County, a hotspot for FGM with a prevalence of 51%, equipped medical workers with forensic and legal skills specifically to support prosecutions. This is part of broader efforts under projects like the Gender Justice Project, which aims to strengthen enforcement of gender-based laws in Kenya.

Caroline Lagat, Programme Officer at Equality Now, stated that the goal is to equip medical professionals with the legal knowledge and practical skills necessary to support the justice system in prosecuting FGM cases. Prof. Ndari Muia, ACCAF Coordinator and Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Nairobi, emphasized the importance of proper and complete documentation in FGM cases.

The workshop aimed to teach medical professionals how to collect and preserve biological samples, transport evidence properly, and understand what is needed for it to hold up in court. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to combating FGM and pledged to treat survivors with dignity.

Accurate and thorough medical examinations and reports are essential to prove that FGM has occurred, which supports the legal process. Training helps medical professionals understand how to maintain chain of custody and avoid contamination, ensuring evidence is admissible. Medical professionals also gain skills to present complex medical facts clearly and authoritatively in court, aiding judges and juries in understanding the nature and impact of FGM.

Moreover, workshops and trainings promote coordination between healthcare providers, law enforcement, and the judiciary to streamline case handling. Organizers state that training both law enforcement officers and healthcare providers is key to improving coordination within the justice system.

Since February 2024, numerous FGM-related cases have been prosecuted in Narok County, including a landmark case involving a local chief. However, despite many reported cases, few reach court or are concluded successfully. Between December 2021 and June 2022, 91 FGM cases were registered in Kenya, of which only 24 were concluded, and the remaining 67 are still pending.

Dr. Jacqueline Chesang of ACCAF emphasized the importance of sensitivity and professionalism when handling FGM survivors. Many FGM-related cases collapse in court due to poor or incomplete documentation, according to Prof. Muia.

The national prevalence of FGM among women aged 15 to 49 in Kenya has decreased from 21% in 2014 to 15% in 2022, marking a significant drop. However, Narok County still has one of the highest FGM prevalence rates in Kenya. The recent training in Narok is part of the Gender Justice Project, implemented by Equality Now across six counties.

In conclusion, enhancing the forensic and legal skills of medical professionals in Kenya directly aids in the successful prosecution of FGM cases. This strategic approach bridges the gap between medical and judicial systems, increases the likelihood that FGM offenders are successfully prosecuted, and fosters inter-sector collaboration to streamline case handling.

[1] Source: Gender Justice Project, Equality Now, ACCAF, and TNI [2] Source: National Gender and Equality Commission, Kenya [3] Source: World Health Organization, Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2014 and 2022

1. Enhancing healthcare professionals' skills in forensics and law is essential in combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in court.
2. The workshop in Narok County focused on equipping medical workers with legal knowledge for FGM prosecutions.
3. The Gender Justice Project aims to strengthen the enforcement of gender-based laws in Kenya, including FGM cases.
4. Prof. Ndari Muia highlighted the significance of proper documentation in FGM cases for court.
5. Training medical professionals helps them collect and preserve biological samples and transport evidence correctly.
6. Participants in the workshop pledged to treat FGM survivors with dignity.
7. Accurate and thorough medical examinations and reports are essential to prove FGM cases in court.
8. Training medical professionals ensures evidence is maintained in the chain of custody and avoids contamination.
9. Medical professionals are learning to present complex medical facts clearly and authoritatively in court.
10. Workshops promote collaboration between healthcare providers, law enforcement, and the judiciary.
11. Training both law enforcement officers and healthcare providers boosts coordination within the justice system.
12. Numerous FGM-related cases have been prosecuted in Narok County recently, including a high-profile case involving a local chief.
13. Few FGM cases are concluded successfully in court despite many reported cases.
14. Between December 2021 and June 2022, 91 FGM cases were registered in Kenya, but 67 are still pending.
15. Dr. Jacqueline Chesang emphasizes sensitivity and professionalism towards FGM survivors during examinations.
16. Poor or incomplete documentation is cause for many FGM related cases collapsing in court.
17. The national prevalence of FGM among women aged 15 to 49 in Kenya has dropped from 21% in 2014 to 15% in 2022.
18. Narok County still has one of the highest FGM prevalence rates in Kenya.
19. The recent training in Narok County is part of the Gender Justice Project, implemented by Equality Now across six counties.
20. Improving the forensic and legal skills of medical professionals directly aids in the successful prosecution of FGM cases.
21. This strategic approach bridges the gap between medical and judicial systems.
22. The successful prosecution of FGM offenders increases the likelihood of streamlining case handling.
23. Healthcare providers, law enforcement, and the judiciary must work together in combating FGM.
24. Enhanced collaboration within the justice system improves the overall response to FGM cases.
25. FGM is a significant health issue affecting women's general health.
26. Chronic diseases, such as cancer and respiratory conditions, can result from FGM.
27. Digestive health, eye health, hearing, and skin conditions can also be impacted by FGM.
28. Therapies and treatments are essential for addressing the health consequences of FGM.
29. Mens' and Womens' health, as well as family health, must be prioritized in addressing FGM.
30. Autoimmune disorders, mental health, and neurological disorders can develop as a result of FGM.
31. Education and self-development resources, including books, seminars, and online courses, should be made available for healthcare professionals to stay updated on the latest FGM-related research and best practices.

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