Educate girls and fight poverty in Kenya

Thank you for your support of Women's Global Education Project and our Sisters-to-School Kenya program! This December we will be hosting our annual "Circumcision With Words" Alternative Rite of Passage program in Tharaka, Kenya. This program combats female genital mutilation in Tharaka through a community-led initiative that works with girls, families and community leaders to eradicate the practice and celebrating empowerment and education for girls. The program gives girls and families an alternative way to celebrate a girl's coming into womanhood without genital cutting. This year, more than 260 girls have signed up to participate, and, for the first time ever, 40 boys will be joining them and publicly lending their support to eradicate FGM in their community.

We would like to share with you the personal story--written in her own words--of one program participant and how it changed her mind about undergoing FGM:

My name is Terry, I go to school at Gatunga primary school. I am 14 years old and am in 8th grade.

 In my village there was the practice of female genital mutilation. Girls had this done because they did not understand the meaning of it. To them, they were told by their peer groups, grandparents, and parents that uncircumcised girls could not give birth. They were also told that uncircumcised girls were unclean and not yet matured. They believed these myths and misconceptions about FGM.

 As it continued this way, I decided to be circumcised because I did not like to face the challenges and be abused for challenging this tradition. Luckily, the After School Boys and Girls Club was introduced in our school teaching us in school and outside the school about the harm of FGM and explaining to us our rights. When I learned the dangers and problems of FGM I decided to stop and say NO. I also decided to talk to my age mates and girls in my village and other neighboring villages. Moreover I was sponsored by the program as a scholar. They also advised me on life challenges and problems. Finally I attended the Alternative Rite of Passage that was conducted on December 2011. I talked with other girls to attend the workshop so that they can be saved and advised more. Lastly our Boys and Girls Club teachers spent extra time to coach and tutor us and surely it has improved our academic performance. I have been taught how to be responsible and become a role model in my area and in the Tharaka District at large. I thank the program for saving me from undergoing the traditional practice of FGM, I was at a risk because I had fully decided to be circumcised. I thank you once more for your support!

Links:

• Learn more about WGEP!