Where girls are married at age 12

Although the country is embracing Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education, Cherop says the Sabiny, are stuck to their traditional values that has seen many young girls forcefully undergo FGM and forced into marriage at a tender age.

The girls from Bugiri are denied an education, undergo FGM and forced to enter wedlock at a tender age, writes David Mafabi.

A young woman with a weary look sits at the doorstep of her husband’s house in Iwemba sub-county, Bugiri District. Her exhaustion typifies the misery faced by thousands of Sabiny girls in Bugiri where Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) does not give them an opportunity to go to school.

“Life is hard, as girls we are expected to undergo FGM at ages 12-14 as preparation for marriage. We are married off and not expected to divorce even when our husband misbehaves,” says Milika Cherop, the only girl out of about 5,000 Sabiny to reach senior six.

Although the country is embracing Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education, Cherop says the Sabiny, are stuck to their traditional values that has seen many young girls forcefully undergo FGM and forced into marriage at a tender age.
“The issue is not that it is good or bad for girls but as long as parents dictate, you have to undergo FGM and get married. And this explains why defilement is not an issue here, you are deemed “ripe” for marriage after FGM,” Cherop adds.

An advocate against FGM, Mr Mark Chemaswet says because of its remoteness, illiteracy and ignorance, many a Sabiny still live traditional lifestyles with FGM held in high esteem.

“According to the census of 2000 in Bugiri, the highest educated girl is in senior six. Many of them stop between Primary one and five, they undergo FGM and get married in return for bride price,” Mr Chemaswet says.

Mr Chemaswet says he is determined to sensitise the Sabiny against FGM citing education and human rights which are strange ideals to the traditional Sabiny.
“Girls are not given a platform to speak out on FGM and many have either deserted their homes for towns or committed suicide,” the GISO, Iwemba sub-county, Mr Moses Chemonges says.

Milika Cherop, Sylivia Chebet,19, Sulai Chekwemboi, 17, Agnes Cheroitich, 16, and Anne Chellangat are determined to inspire other Sabiny girls to change the traditions of the community.
“We refused to do FGM, stood by our word and remained at school. Our parents intimidated and threatened us but we vowed to drag them to court if they used force. Our target is to inspire others to say no to FGM but say yes to education,” Chebet says.

He says they have become the laughing stock in their community and are insulted and teased in school. “We live like outcasts, maybe this is the reason many Sabiny girls drop out of school. It is tough but we are determined to change this type of living,” Chebet says.

The Director general, Ms Beatrice Chelangat says because Sabiny and Pokot FGM initiation ceremonies are carried out amongst girls between the ages of 12 and 16, education and sensitisation of the girl-child in remote areas, exposure of the girl-child through training tours and revoking of FGM licenses are the only way of ending the practice. Ms Chelangat who graduated about 200 Sabiny girls at Iwemba sub-county trained on Alternative Rites of Passage revealed that there is a Bill in Parliament on FGM intended to have the practice outlawed.