By Purity Nthiana
FGM is a word that we have come across a couple of times and sometimes we might just read or hear something about it but do not actually internalize what this is. Unfortunately, it’s fate that will befall a young girl who will be forcibly taken by the brother to perform this horrifying act somewhere in Migori. It is a broken trust for a 5-year-old who will be taken by her loving aunt and laid down to be hurt in the name of rite of passage. It hurts not only physically, it hurts mentally, emotionally and psychologically.
Female genital mutilation has been practiced over the years with no clear indication of its benefit. The fact that its existence is whispered among peers and no one says what exactly one is going to go through makes it more than suspicious. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a deeply rooted practice in Kenya, with a high prevalence among certain communities such as Kuria in Migori county which has the highest rates of prevalence of FGM. In Kenya. The way the ritual is carried out varies with the community as well as the person performing the act. This harmful traditional practice is driven by cultural and social factors, contributing to the continuous engagement of FGM. The consequences of FGM on the health of women and girls are severe, including physical, psychological, and sexual complications. When FGM is practiced, it is usually done as a rite of passage into adulthood and in preparation for marriage, girls often undergo child marriages and subsequent teenage pregnancies which makes the lives of these girls unbearable.
FGM in Kenya is influenced by various cultural and social factors. These factors include deep-rooted cultural beliefs and traditions that view FGM as an essential part of womanhood and marriageability. Additionally, societal pressure and the fear of being stigmatized contribute to the perpetuation of this harmful practice. The fact that the women that have been through this are the same ones that force younger women is quite sad considering the whole experience is simply traumatizing. Lack of education and awareness about the health consequences of FGM also plays a role, as many communities may not fully understand the harmful physical and psychological effects it can have on girls and women.
Empowering women and girls as well as the male gender to resist FGM is a crucial strategy in ending this harmful practice in Kenya. By providing education and raising awareness about the consequences of FGM, women and girls can make informed decisions and actively resist the pressure to undergo the procedure. Empowerment programs also aim to enhance women and girls’ self-esteem and confidence, enabling them to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for their rights. When women that have been through this ritual say NO, condemn this act and say they do not see its benefit could go a long way in ending the practice. Additionally, offering economic opportunities and vocational training equips them with skills to achieve financial independence, reducing their vulnerability to societal pressures. Through empowerment, women and girls can break the cycle of FGM, promote gender equality, and ultimately contribute to the eradication of this harmful practice. Talking to leaders in this community and having grassroot dialogues can help make them understand that FGM is harmful and unnecessary can make the entire village turn around and therefore eradicate FGM, child marriages and teenage pregnancies.
Miss Nthiana is a sexual and reproductive health advocate at NAYA Kenya.
