Sololo, Marsabit- Over 130 girls aged between 11 and 16 in Sololo have participated in a week-long training program aimed at educating them about the dangers of female genital mutilation (FGM), early marriage, and other harmful cultural practices.
The initiative is part of the 11th edition of the Gaddis Gamme Girls’ Camp, organized by the Mama Guyo Foundation, a non-profit organization led by the County First Lady, Alamitu Guyo.
The girls gathered at Dr. Guracha Memorial Girls School in Sololo, where they engaged in various sessions designed to empower them with knowledge and life skills.
Since its inception in 2019, the Gaddis Gamme Girls’ Camp has benefitted over 3,200 girls across Marsabit County, with the current edition focusing on critical issues affecting young girls and their communities.
The camp, held during the school holiday, culminates in a unique tradition — a girl-to-parent talk held around a bonfire at night. This heartfelt exchange provides an opportunity for girls to share their experiences and wisdom with their parents, fostering open communication and mutual understanding.
Over 130 girls aged between 11 and 16 in #Sololo have participated in a week-long training program aimed at educating them about the dangers of female genital mutilation (FGM), early marriage, and other harmful cultural practices.
The initiative is part of the 11th edition of… pic.twitter.com/yKwF0FLt4W
— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) April 24, 2025
During the training, the girls learned a wide range of topics including menstrual health and hygiene, the importance of staying in school, the dangers of early marriage and FGM, building self-confidence, digital safety, and responsible use of technology.
Sessions also covered strengthening trust between parents and daughters, mental health and emotional well-being, cultural pride, and reproductive health education. The training was delivered by health professionals, teachers, and motivational speakers.
In her speech during the graduation ceremony on Wednesday, County First Lady Alamitu Guyo highlighted the significance of the skills acquired by the girls. She emphasized that the knowledge gained would empower them to resist harmful practices such as FGM and early marriage.
“I am proud of the progress these young girls have made. They now possess important skills and confidence to speak openly about reproductive health and other issues that affect them,” said Lady Alamitu.
She urged the girls to prioritize their education, recognizing it as the key to a brighter future. “Education holds the power to transform lives. I encourage you to learn your rights, stay disciplined, and focus on your goals,” she advised.
The community’s stance against FGM was reinforced by Galm Dabasa, a respected Borana elder, who announced that the practice had been officially banned during the 2020 Gummi Gayo Assembly.
He called on community members still practicing FGM in secret to abandon the tradition, emphasizing its detrimental effects on health and well-being, and underscoring that it is also against the law.
The First Lady was accompanied by County Secretary Hussein Tari, County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers, Members of County Assembly, Representatives of the National Government, and other senior government officials during the event, reaffirming the county’s commitment to ending harmful cultural practices and promoting the rights and health of girls.
