End Female Genital Mutilation in 9 schools, Kenya

Dear HFAW Friends, Supporters, and Partners,

HFAW continues its commitment to ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nyamira County through school outreaches, engaging learners as active participants due to their vulnerability to this harmful practice. In October, the HFAW team reached two schools in Riamanoti area, with a population of 213 members, comprising 91 girls and 111 boys.

During the discussion, the learners were educated about FGM, its causes, effects, and issues on early teenage pregnancies. As the interaction unfolded, students shared their challenges. Nyaboke, not her real name, highlighted the struggles students go through to meet their basic needs. She said, “Many parents can’t afford to buy for their children their basic needs, which compels them to go and look out for themselves, and in turn, they end up paying with sex. This leads to not only pregnancy, but they also contract STIs.”

Okemwa, not her real name, added and said, “Poor use of social media also affects some of us by watching pornographic materials not only at home but also in our studies.” Mora, not her real name, also said, ’’ Lack of awareness from some of our parents is also a great challenge because they still rely on the past information that supported FGM practice without knowing the effects’’. She continued and said, “It will also be of great help if awareness can be created among the parents at home to make them aware of the effects of the practice.”

One of the female teachers emphasized that it was essential to get the local leaders to implement the antifGM policies because, at the moment, many unreached parts of Nyamira ignore these policies and continue with the practice.

Osiemo, not his real name, added and said that his fears are that the girls are being chopped off a body part that is so sensitive. He said, “Perpetrators should be jailed for a life sentence.”

The learners, influenced by the awareness created during this session, expressed their commitment to becoming advocates against FGM in their community. They pledged to campaign rigorously against the practice, ensuring that future generations are spared from FGM.

From HFAW's teachings, one learner said “with the knowledge we have gotten we will make sure we campaign for the stop of FGM in the community completely.’’ This was reiterated by many learners who committed that they will not subject their children to FGM.

The positive reactions from the learners indicate a promising shift in attitudes towards ending FGM, and the HFAW team is grateful for this encouraging outreach. However, financial support remains crucial for reaching more schools and communities to completely eradicate FGM.

We do not take for granted your continued support.

Kind Regards,
Doris Kananu
HFAW