The Generation Equality Forum held in Paris from 30th June - 2nd July concluded with the announcement of significant commitments to accelerate gender equality by 2026.

At the forum, His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta outlined Kenya’s commitment framework on ending all forms of GBV and FGM by 2026.

The continued leadership of His Excellency’s government in ensuring the full enjoyment of all human rights by women and girls serves as a guiding light for civil society, international organizations, and the private sector towards addressing issues impacting women’s lives and livelihoods across the country. Ensuring the full enjoyment of zero FGM requires zero tolerance for gender-based violence and all other harmful practices, as well as the gender inequalities that place women at a disadvantage both socially and economically.

UNFPA remains steadfast in the commitment to deploy tangible, practical, and ambitious measures to create an enabling environment for the elimination of FGM, through scaled up prevention programs and comprehensive, accessible, affordable, and quality services for survivors of FGM and other forms of gender-based violence. The FGM-free generation that we envision lies in the choices and voices of the young people. We recognize their zeal, acknowledge their challenges, and pledge our presence to translate their aspirations into transformative results. We affirm our solidarity with the curve of their dreams towards a safe and equal society.

Our support to the government, grassroot organizations, and leading anti-FGM champions continues to move the needle in the journey towards an FGM free Kenya by 2022. As we race against time to achieve this goal, an increase in accountability, participation and support towards anti-FGM programmes is needed amongst stakeholders. This includes capacity strengthening, awareness raising, monitoring and advocacy efforts whose momentum must be accelerated to end FGM not only within our borders, but across the world.