By Albert Mwangeka
Whatsapp mobile application has seen child rights activists save children from abuse in Kajiado County.The abuses which range from Female Genital Mutilation and early marriages are being reported using Whattapp and quick interventions taken to save the children.
Whatsapp is quite a phenomenon in Kenya and across the world as well, catching up like a bushfire with no remorse.
Many would use this platform with family, friends or even co-workers to share jokes, post some forwards or even spiritual scriptures. However who thought that this Android app could be used for rescue missions in emergency situations.”We formed a network in our area Kajiado County Children Stakeholders Network KACCSNET. Members of this network have formed a group whereby we can report any incidences on early marriage and even Female Genital Mutilation FGM,” said Esther Shena, a Gender officer working for Kajiado County Government.
Shena explained that the group is a synchronized forum where by immediate action is taken when an incident is reported.”The group has been very instrumental because of the quick response.Before it was difficult as I was forced to work alone at times in case a situation arose,” she narrated.She added that the rescue missions include efforts from area chiefs,county officers, NGOs and security officers from the government.
“Once we had a case where a man was marrying off his daughter who was almost eleven years to a man who had done a good job of taking care of this cattle.The girl was being given off as a gift because the herder had proven he was industrious. Someone posted that issue in our group and we saved the girl.” recalled Shena.The gender officer said that FGM is a serious issue in her community as the young girls would be married off as soon as they were circumcised.
“From the Magadi area there were girls who were escaping FGM and early marriages. They sought the help of a pastor for rescue. Word against FGM is spreading and we realize that young girls also do not
want to be married off early.” she said.
Findings from Kenya Demographic Health Survey KDHS 2014 indicate that in Kenya, 21% of women age 15-49 have been circumcised. Female Genital Cutting (also known as Female Circumcision) is very regional and closely associated with some ethnic groups. The large majority (greater than 75%) of Somali, Samburu, Kisii, and Massai women are circumcised.
According to the United Nations Population Fund UNFPA child marriage is a human rights violation. Despite laws against it, the practice remains widespread, in part because of persistent poverty and gender inequality. In developing countries, one in every three girls is married before reaching age 18. One in nine is married under age 15.
