'Brake The Blade': Nationwide campaign launched to combat FGM

 

Kisii Woman Rep Dorice Donya, Chair of Anti FGM board Ipato Surum, CEO of Anti FGM Board Bernadette Loloju, Nguvu Change Leaders Selina Nkoile, Naomi Kolian, Samburu Woman Rep Pauline Lenguris and Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda during the launch of 'Brake The Blade' campaign. [Courtesy, Nguvu Change Leader]

A new campaign has been launched to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) across the country.

Dubbed ‘Brake the Blade,’ the campaign launched last month is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Nguvu Change Leaders in partnership with the Kenya Women Parliamentarian Association (KEWOPA) and the Anti-FGM Board Kenya.

The initiative seeks to rally support and action to eliminate this harmful practice, with the motto ‘Every Blade Broken is a Life Saved’ serving as a call to action.

Preethi Herman, CEO of Nguvu Collective, highlighted the critical role played by Nguvu Change Leaders Selina Nkoile and Naomy Kolian. Both survivors of FGM, they have emerged as vocal activists in their respective counties, determined to prevent other girls from experiencing the same trauma.

“Their powerful personal stories have inspired a broader movement, encouraging activists and stakeholders to join forces. Ending FGM requires collective action,” Ms. Herman said.

She stressed the importance of partnerships between policymakers, civil society, and grassroots leaders to amplify efforts against this human rights violation.

Ms Herman noted the global prevalence of over 230 million survivors and emphasised the urgency of confronting this issue with a unified resolve.

"Every cut and scar represents the violation of a fundamental right. Every broken blade saves a life from irreversible trauma. This campaign sends a clear message that FGM deprives millions of their childhood and future," she added.

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Echoing her sentiments, Bernadette Resian Loloju, CEO of the Anti-FGM Board Kenya, stated that the government has implemented laws and policies to address FGM.

She highlighted that Kenya is the only country with a dedicated Anti-FGM Board that is developing a safeguarding policy to be unveiled soon.

"We are bringing all stakeholders together to ensure we speak effectively about FGM," said Ms Loloju.

The campaign is being actively promoted on Nguvu Collective’s social media platforms, featuring a video with 10 Change Leaders who are FGM survivors.

Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Aburi emphasised the role of legislation, citing her sponsorship of the Sexual Offences Amendment Bill 2023 in the National Assembly.

"This Bill will enhance nationwide awareness on FGM, teen pregnancies, substance abuse, and gender issues through the Ministry of Education," she said.

Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda called for collective efforts to address the stigma faced by women from communities that practice FGM, encouraging their participation in leadership and societal roles without fear of discrimination.

Samburu Woman Representative Pauline Lenguris also highlighted ongoing challenges, noting that decisions affecting women's reproductive health are still predominantly controlled by men.

“There is a growing awareness, but it is disheartening that men continue to dominate decisions about our reproductive lives,” Ms Lenguris said.

Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana urged the youth, especially Gen Z, to play a significant role in advocating for gender equity.

"I am encouraged by the advocacy from young people. Let’s ensure they take an active role in protecting the rights of girls and women," she said.

Data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) shows the prevalence of FGM in the country stands at 15 per cent, with older women reporting higher rates. Women aged between 15-19 have a prevalence rate of 9 per cent compared to 23 per cent among women aged 45-49.

While this marks progress from previous surveys in 2014 (21 per cent) and 1998 (38 per cent), the continued practice of FGM despite being outlawed remains a pressing concern.