Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a persistent violation of human rights that continues to affect millions of women and girls across the globe, with 4 million of them in Kenya alone. While its prevalence varies across regions, certain areas, including parts of Kenya, remain heavily impacted by this harmful practice. Despite the existence of various legislative frameworks and community-based interventions, FGM remains a significant barrier to the health, dignity, and overall well-being of women and girls, reinforcing gender inequality and perpetuating destructive cultural practices. The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, observed annually on 6th February, provides a platform for raising awareness, challenging harmful practices, and advocating for collective action toward the eradication of FGM. The 2025 theme “Stepping up the pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Bridges to End FGM” highlights the urgency of strengthening partnerships and accelerating efforts to eliminate this harmful practice.
PS Kenya through the Accelerate program funded by the Embassy of Denmark in Kenya joined the Nairobi City County Government; Department of Health, in collaboration with other key stakeholders, to commemorate the event at Eastleigh Airbase in Kamukunji Sub-county. This region has one of the highest FGM prevalence rates in Nairobi County, largely due to the presence of Somali and Muslim communities. The collective aim was to strengthen the resolve to end FGM and create a unified front against the practice. The event focused on several critical activities aimed at combating FGM, each contributing towards the goal of ending this harmful practice:
- Raising Awareness: A primary focus was to increase public understanding of the physical, psychological, and social consequences of FGM. By educating the community on these harmful effects, the initiative aimed to reduce acceptance of the practice.
- Empowering Survivors: The voices of FGM survivors were amplified to highlight their role in driving societal change. Survivors shared their powerful testimonies, underscoring the importance of their involvement in advocacy efforts to eradicate FGM.
- Strengthening Alliances: A key emphasis was placed on enhancing collaboration between governments, civil society organizations, community leaders, and international partners. The goal was to create a cohesive network that would push for stronger policies and strategies to end FGM.
- Building Bridges: Facilitating inter-group dialogues, particularly between cultural and religious communities, was essential for fostering understanding and breaking down the social norms that sustain FGM.
One of the event’s major outcomes was the involvement of 10 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) supported through the Accelerate program, who played a pivotal role in raising awareness about FGM’s harmful effects and informing the community about referral pathways for those affected by the practice. These CHPs engaged directly with various groups identified within the Community Units, effectively spreading knowledge and promoting action against FGM. The event also featured a dynamic panel discussion with a diverse group of experts, including a representative from the Anti-FGM Board, a Muslim religious leader, a medical doctor, an FGM survivor, and a male champion of FGM elimination. The discussion tackled common myths surrounding the practice and reinforced the call for an end to FGM through informed action. The session further emphasized the importance of community-led initiatives and government support in eradicating this harmful tradition.
A key moment in the event came when a representative from the Anti-FGM Board presented current statistics, revealing that the prevalence of FGM in Nairobi County is 6.3%, significantly lower than the national average of 14%. This statistic was paired with a commitment from the government to eradicate FGM by 2026, signaling an urgent need for accelerated action.
Esther Passaris, the County Women’s Representative, delivered a powerful message advocating for collective action to end FGM. She emphasized the critical role of men in supporting the movement to eliminate FGM, calling for them to be active participants in challenging the cultural norms that sustain this harmful practice.
The continued fight against FGM requires sustained efforts at every level of society. This year’s event saw collaboration among various stakeholders, including community leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and survivors, is paramount. The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, much work remains. Only through collective efforts, unwavering advocacy, and cultural transformation can we hope to see the end of FGM.
By stepping up the pace, strengthening alliances, and building bridges of understanding, the global community can make significant strides toward eliminating FGM and ensuring a future where women and girls can live free from the physical and emotional scars of this practice.
