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‘Every Blade Broken Is a Life Saved’: Inside Kenya’s New Campaign to End FGM.

Sounding a clarion call against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya, women’s rights organization Nguvu Collective, KEWOPA, and the Anti-FGM Board Kenya have joined hands to launch a campaign aimed at eradicating this human rights violation from the country. Dubbed ‘Break The Blade,’ the initiative creatively combines advocacy and community outreach to tackle FGM head-on.

Launching the campaign, Preethi Herman, CEO of Nguvu Collective, emphasized the importance of united action. “Efforts to end FGM cannot exist in isolation,” she explained. “Nguvu Collective believes in the power of collective action, and by joining hands with policymakers and civil society partners, we can elevate and amplify conversations on critical human rights issues that shock the world.”

Echoing this commitment, Bernadette Loloju, CEO of the Anti-FGM Board, highlighted the need to keep girls in school as a fundamental strategy to combat FGM. “If the girls don’t stay in school, we will lose the next generation,” Loloju stated. “It is these same girls who will protect future generations. Over the past decade, we’re encouraged to see men also joining us in this fight.”

However, Loloju pointed out that reaching remote communities remains a challenge, as awareness of FGM laws is still limited in some areas. “In these communities, many are not aware of the existing laws on FGM,” she added, underscoring the importance of sustained outreach and education.

Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, a vocal advocate for women’s rights, acknowledged the progress made over recent years. “Now, political leaders, especially women, can openly discuss FGM without fear of losing votes,” Lesuuda noted. She went on to address the severe long-term impacts of FGM on women’s health and education, stressing the importance of community-led initiatives. “For those who have gone through it, the scars and challenges are deep and personal. We must continue as agents of change, building small community groups to support our girls in becoming their best selves,” she urged.

Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya, another passionate advocate, has been intensifying her efforts to eliminate FGM and called on both women and men to speak out against it. “Every cut, every scar, is a violation of a girl’s fundamental rights. Every blade broken is a life saved from irreversible trauma,” Donya stated, emphasizing the lasting consequences of FGM and the vital role that community support plays in protecting the next generation.

A Unified Front Against FGM

The ‘Break The Blade’ campaign stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and hope in the fight against FGM. With each broken blade, Kenya takes one more step toward a future free from harm and a world where every girl is safe from this practice. As the voices in this campaign illustrate, the journey to end FGM relies on the collective strength of individuals, communities, and leaders coming together to protect and empower girls.

 

 

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.

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