A growing movement in Kenya is working to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice that has been a part of some communities for generations.
The movement, called “MenEndFGM,” is led by men who are educating others about the dangers of FGM and working to change cultural norms and traditions.
Naomi Kolian, a mother of five, is one of the many women who have undergone FGM. She recounts the traumatic experience of being forced to undergo the procedure at the age of 13.
“They stripped off my clothes, poured cold water on me. I passed out,” she said. “When I recovered, I realized that a certain woman was already cutting me… out of pain I tried to jump so they tied both of my legs with ropes.”
According to the FGM/C Research Initiative, at least 14.8% of Kenyan women have undergone FGM, with 45.6% being cut between the ages of 5 and 9.
The practice is often seen as a rite of passage for girls and is considered a compulsory step before marriage.
The MenEndFGM movement is working to change this narrative by engaging men in the conversation and educating them about the dangers of FGM. The movement’s executive director, Tony Mwebia, said that most men in communities that support FGM are ignorant of what the cut entails and are often providing resources and guarding the FGM ceremonies.
At least 600 men have joined the movement, including Noah Sampeke, a senior chief in Kenya’s Kajiado County. Sampeke said he regrets keeping the tradition of marrying only women who have undergone the cut and has now vowed not to force his daughters to undergo the procedure.
The movement is gaining momentum, with Kenyan women’s rights activists recently launching 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, including FGM. Advocates say that a collective movement for change is crucial in eradicating this harmful practice.
