The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 230 million girls and women across 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM). The practice, which is a clear violation of human rights, is mostly performed on young girls between infancy and the age of 15.
In some African countries like Kenya, there has been some progress in curbing FGM. However, the practice persists in several regions. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), referencing the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022, the national FGM prevalence rate stood at 15 percent in 2022, lower than the 32% recorded in 2003. The report also revealed that FGM is most prevalent among women with no formal education (56.3%) compared to just 5.9% among women with higher education. Activists, particularly survivors, caution that the numbers could rise if urgent and sustained actions toward its complete eradication are not taken.
In Kenya, one in seven women and girls aged 15 to 49 has undergone some form of FGM/C, mostly performed by Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs). Disturbingly, recent reports indicate that in some regions like Suswa ward, Narok East constituency, FGM is now being conducted in health facilities under the name ‘Swahili’.
Nguvu change leader Naomy Kelai Kolian, an FGM survivor from the Maasai community, was one of the architects of the #BreakTheBlade campaign launched in Novembr 2024 that symbolically breaks a blade to pledge to end FGM in Kenya. She recalls how FGM not only robbed her of her physical well-being but also shattered her dreams. “Growing up, I was a promising athlete. But after the cut, I could no longer participate in athletics or soccer, which I loved the most. I started losing interest in school and my academic performance dropped. Teachers misunderstood me, assuming I was simply avoiding extra-curricular activities, and I faced severe stigmatisation,” she says.
She believes that FGM has deprived countless girls of opportunities and potential. “I lost my talent and passion to FGM,” she adds.
As the world prepares to observe the International Day for the Right to the Truth on March 24, a day that recognises gross human rights violations and upholds the dignity of victims, Kolian believes it is the right time to intensify global efforts to end FGM and says: “No girl or woman should ever have to endure the pain of FGM again. It is a grave violation of human rights, and it must stop. Moreover, no talent should ever be lost to FGM. Every girl deserves a future full of possibilities and dreams.”
To protect vulnerable girls, Kolian has also launched an online campaign, urging the county government of Narok to establish operational rescue centres for girls at risk in the Narok East constituency. “These centres can offer immediate shelter and protection to girls under threat and ensure they are reunited with their families after proper intervention. It is also important to ensure that legal action is taken against those violating the law to deter such practices,” she concludes.
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