RESCUE 10,000 KENYAN GIRLS AT RISK OF HORRIFIC FGM

February 6 has been designated as an international day to focus on zero tolerance on female genital circumcision (FGM).  This pernicious practice is present in more than 90 countries. 

In the lead-up to this day in Kenya, Cherish Others has been focusing on raising awareness of the issue among the Maasai people of the Transmara region.  FGM is widespread among indigenous groups like the Maasai, and even continues in the diaspora among those from the Maasai community. 

We are raising awareness in schools, among local leaders, through community meetings, and in conversations with local officials and influential people such as doctors and religious leaders. 

We greatly appreciate the continuing support of our donors for these efforts.  Our efforts have reduced the prevalence of the practice among the Maasai, but FGM is a deeply ingrained traditional custom, so much more remains to be done to stamp it out. 

Since our last report, Cherish Others has been active in conducting outreach session with communities in the Transmara region.

We held sessions with parents who have been particularly affected by health issues, and whose children have been affected.  We explained how to practice good health, including by maintaining proper sanitary conditions, balanced diets, and regular exercise.  We also discussed the importance of accessing medical care when possible, instead of relying solely on traditional practices. 

As part of this training, we focused as well on the extremely negative health implications of female circumcision (FGM).  We did this as part of the broader information discussions about health issues because it is important to place the problem of FGM in this larger context. 

Access to adequate health care and proper sanitation remains a major challenge in the region.  Our sessions with vulnerable parents are intended to help them cope as well as possible within the very challenging situation they face. 

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