FGM: Harmful Cultural practice meets Law half-way

It was that time of the year once again,the dreaded August holidays where every teenage girl is supposed to undergo the 'cut'. 

The girls during the alternative rite of passage graduation 

ceremony in Loitoktok sub-County August 2015.

However, this time through various interventions the community choose a different path altogether. In August 2015, atleast 1000 girls graduated into womanhood through a colorful alternative rite of passage ceremony in Kajiado County. This is where girls are taught more on their culture without undergoing FGM. 

Noting that FGM is a cultural-related offence, The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is comitted to continuously create awareness on the legal consequences of  the practice to various communities in Kenya.

Through the participation of the Ministry of Devolution and Planning, National Interior Coordination and moreso the Anti FGM Board; ODPP trained the girls on the ‘Prohibition of the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2011’.  

 

Anti FGM boards Chair Linah Jebii & ODPP's Anti FGM Unit Christine Nanjala

Last year, Kenya’s Anti-FGM prosecuting Unit under ODPP conducted four phases of county visits in a bid to enforce the law and reduce the harmful cultural practice. 

The Unit was established under the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in February 2014.They toured their final phase being Kuria, Tanariver, Marsabit and Wajir. This would see the team analyze and evaluate their actions in detailed reports on the cultural vice.

The five day tour began in June; agenda being to inform communities on “The Prohibition Of Female Genital Mutilation Act, 2011”, since county the first county rounds began in April 2014.

The Anti-FGM Unit comprises of 20 prosecuting counsels. As they plan to continue sensitization programs in  FGM prone counties,a stern message on FGM laws is aired to communities giving alternative rites of passage as the better option. 

Although this practice existed since time immemorial, the fact that it can lead to death, heavy bleeding, permanent or grievous bodily harm makes it unlawful , thus a harmful cultural practice.

Therefore anyone found conducting the FGM practice will be dealt with accordingly; stories have been aired of parents, chiefs or community elders in support of the harmful cultural practice. ODPP's Anti-FGM Unit is to mainly prosecute FGM related crimes in collaboration with the Anti-FGM board.

During a County tour, Anti FGM boards’ Lucy Mongony said:  “Rescue centers should be identified for saving girls in every location. Men should identify opinion leaders and select days for seminars in order to meet and counsel the girls.”

Part of the Unit toured Kisii, Kilgoris and Transmara areas. There was great support from Children officers, police, Chiefs and District commissioners. Those on ground have been privileged to learn about seven offences from the Act. 

During these county rounds ODPP’s Prosecuting counsels discussed atleast seven FGM related offences in the Act, stating respective penalties and fines. Most rounds are conducted in open barazaas with the community or an enclosed space with local Administrators in respective stations. 

Prosecutor Denis Majale & Lolgorian OCS Step

hen Kyenze on Anti FGM Act 2011

According to reports from ODPP, “The vice is practiced culturally and in secrecy thus undermining efforts to combat the crime.”

Other circumstances see these cases summed into grievous harm charges due to little knowledge of the Act that commenced in October of 2011.

Contrary to many people’s belief, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a global concern. It is found in certain parts of Africa, Asia, Middle East, and now in Europe.

According to END FGM, a campaign run by Amnesty International, various services in European Union member states have been confronted with FGM issues.

It is more likely that girls living in European countries are taken to their countries of origin during holidays to be mutilated. Sometimes the girls do not return when parents fear prosecution upon their return to Europe.

The exercise has established contacts and networks on ground with local Administrators, Civil society organizations, opinion leaders and other stakeholders on ground.

Whereby collecting data on FGM related crimes is a necessity, the FGM Unit is also recommending avenues of delivering justice to victims as key.

Although the Act will be three years old in October 2014, it has not yet been internalized by the public. These visits have exposed both challenges and cultural beliefs which may make the fight a great task.

FGM in Kuria County leads at a rate of 96%; following Kisii, Narok, Kajiado and Samburu Counties.ODPP and the Anti FGM board continue to engage communities on the hazards and penalties in this harmful cultural practice.

MITUMBA -A HAPPENING (TRAILER)

From Germany,Tanzania then Kenya . Mitumba- The Happening exposes fashion trends; distribution to Africa and identity conflict.

Mitumba is Swahili for second hand cloths. Mitumba-The Happening, asks how mobility and a constantly changing society affects the artistic practice. 


This play uses circulation of second hand clothing as a starting point for its artistic work, to protest the mechanisms of the neo-liberal market.

Searching for new forms of presentation a collective of choreographers and dancers from Kenya, Tanzania, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, the United States and Taiwan that have known each other for years, combine ethics of the discourse with aesthetic principles.


'Mitumba 'deals with the issue of mobility, transformation and culture in the course of globalization. The project was initiated by a Kenyan group known as Tuchangamke.

About 10 international artists are expected to light up CBD with artistic performances this October.

Their theatrical performances and musical aura will set the town ablaze into the effects of buying second-hand fashion.

At the international level, mobility affects artistic development and creation. How do we produce art within the creative tension of international platforms and exchange projects with people constantly on the move?

Artists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Germany, Spain and France, the USA and Taiwan have gathered and analyzed a variety of issues through performances they give as part of a collective, long-term production process.

Background

Tuchangamke was formed in 2009 as an artistic group registered as a self help group with the then ministry of gender, sports ,heritage and culture. members consists of local professional artistes, coming from various artistic backgrounds such as theater, visual art, video, photography, music and dance. The group currently bases its activity at the Godown Arts Centre.

The participating artists came together during several artistic residences in Kenya,Germany and Tanzania between 2010 and 2012.

During those meetings our focus was placed on addressing and discussing social, economic and cultural layers of mitumba and also on exchanging artistic and practical notes on dance techniques, song, music, video and visual art.

What you need to know!

Clothing as a status symbol and meaningful provider of identity At the same time, the bizarre routes that second-hand clothing takes and their economic linkage are emblematic of the journeys that people undertake, of immersions into other cultures and the shedding of skin that this brings, of the change caused by the artistic invasion of other culture markets.

Local designers, textile companies, Kenya's finest fashionistas and various clothe markets should be engaged with a local identity concept and feel involved to make a difference.(Mitumba clothes kills culture and economy,say no to Mitumba clothes!)

The event is expected to be Kenya's first multimedia experience of theater in the public. For two days,acting about the market place will be demonstrated in a play,using large screen projections of how Mitumba happens.

Mitumba is a four hour performance and begins from 3-7 pm, watch it this October on the 6th at Kenya National Theater and 7th at Tom Mboya monument!

TRADING NEW OR USED LAPTOPS AND SMART PHONES?

A  local Kenyan website for trading new and used  laptops and smart phones has been  unveiled.

The website is geared towards helping people buy and sell new or used laptops or smart phones has been unveiled, www.gadgets-ea.com .

The site has been designed to cater for people who desire to buy new or used gadgets including smart phones, tablets and laptops in Kenya.

People who wish to sell their gadgets can post their items in three easy steps and for absolutely free, and their gadgets will be online almost instantly.

If you are looking for a device, say a tablet simply use the search tool that is on the left hand side of the website, by selecting the criteria for the search, for example the model, price memory capacity, and you are done.

A list of search results appears and you can select device that fits your taste, and simply contact the seller.

Although this falls as among the recent innovations locally for online trading . This particular site aims to offer solutions for gadgets with accurate specifications of items intended to be bought or sold by users.

ARTISTIC EVENT REFLECTS FASHION ECONOMY

 Click this Link to Watch Video : MITUMBA TRAILER COMING TO KENYA

Its going to be Kenya' s first stage and multimedia presentation of clothes in our Nairobi market.

For three days in October, an artistic performance will be illuminated by international dancers, singers,directors and instrumentalists.

'Mitumba' is a Swahili word meaning -secondhand clothes. The event intends to showcase the massive culture of 'Mitumba"- Being a second hand enterprise in Africa.

According to Kefa Oiro ,Artistic Director of Mitumba Project: " What is given whole heartedly to benefit Africans in Europe and America is hardly thought of as a business venture. Its a shocker for those who donate these items to realise that people profit from dues on various transit levels." he explains.

However, strong implications in African economies constantly realise that inflation peddles upon a non-producing and low-exporting country. The rising demand for 'Mitumba' has turned Kenya among other East African Countries into Second hand economies.

Consequently, local designers, tailors and textile industries have failed to reach their niche market to maximum. The greatest concern leads to a transparent lack of culture and identity in fashion or creativity.

The event first began its tour in Germany and seeks to make Kenya, its first African destination with a lead to Tanzania thereafter.

To participate in the event, watch  trailer link and media for more.

Dr. OFWENEKE RELAXES 'HATERS'

Dr Ofweneke addressing artistes at Ray Talk

Its been a year of comedy growth among Kenyans and this has brought great a lot of dilemma for audiences and enhanced competition.

Kenya's Nigerian accent Dr Ofweneke also has his fair side of haters in the entertainment industry.

For a while, he has experienced persistent hate statements from growing players in the comedy scene. But, the passionate comedian says his competitors should 'bring it on'.

During an artist mentorship program by Ray media, he confessed that upcoming comedians have downplayed his role and threatened to wear him off the industry. " My competitors cant take me down. On the contrary, I encourage them to bring the challenge." Dr. Ofweneke said in a daring tone.

According to the comedian, their actions are posed on ignorance and fail to understand that ones identity is unique in the industry. " You can never compete like revenge with the intention to replace someone. You cannot be Dr. Ofweneke but yourself." he explained.

He continues to hold his title as a Radio presenter at Milele fm and Mc major gigs atleast on a weekly basis

KATA-WAYA ARTISTE TO RELEASE BOOK

Victor Mbuvi far right

Victor Mbuvi  is not just an ecstatic musician but a potential co-publisher to a book he is yet to release.

In the next two months, the artist is set to launch his book titled "When greatness Calls: A life's journal."

This will also create the platform to spread a new music video which features Ambassador, titled 'Nangojea'.

The song has received airplay in stations but the video shoot will take place in August,the theme encourages people to be patient in God's blessings.

According to Mbuvi, he aims to make the launch and set a series of tours in Machakos around September.

For him, music is just another side of his talent but explains that he intends to partner with the local publishing firm that is set to release his book.

" The book is about a series of lessons learned in life and my personal experiences. It should be out by September." he explained joyfully.

MEDIA FIRM COLOURS ARTISTES

Victor Mbuvi, lilian Muli and Gerry Wainaina

At least 150 artists were privileged to go through a mentor-ship session, teaching loopholes of success in the entertainment industry.

Ray media held its 2 nd Edition of talks last weekend, increasing the number of artists who were to benefit in the program.

The forum dubbed as Ray talk, made this time inclusive of Dj’s and radio presenters.

Dr. Ofweneke was the Mc at the event ,which is to take place after every three months.He made humor while reflecting to his growth in the industry from humble beginnings.

Gospel artist Eco Dydda  made a sterling performance  after guest speakers Lilian Muli, Peter Nduati and Sk Blue opened to the audience seated at the Michael Jospeh centre.

Lilian Muli engaged the audience in a one hour session. She advised artists on how to approach image and branding .

The Tv presenter explained that her success in media has been a chase of eight years consistency. While referring to personal rumors in the industry, she warned artists to be careful . “Sometimes it’s your own friends who spill your stories to the public. People must be very careful with friends.”

Peter Nduati gave his inspiring story from rags to riches. He explained strategies of excellence in business.

Sk Blue summarized the talks talking about quality and standard in the industry. “Artists must be very sensitive to packaging and presentation. This separates people from average products.” The next mentorship program is anticipated to be in October this year.

According to Ray Media CEO Rachael Njonge, “The  free event saw guests increase in numbers with support from sponsors."