RESCUE 10,000 KENYAN GIRLS AT RISK OF HORRIFIC FGM

Ololchani is in TransMara district based in the south-western region of Kenya. It is mainly inhabited by the Maasai community, who todate, have managed to preserve their cultural practices and traditions. One of the most treasured tradition is circumcision for girls. It is considered as a Rite of Passage from childhood to adulthood. The practice takes place in the months of April, August and December when schools are off session. The occasion is usually marked with celebrations and is an indication that the girl is ready for marriage. Girls (women) who don’t undergo FGM are ostracised by the community so if not armed with adequate information on harmfulness of FGM, eventually they ended up undergoing the cut. 30 girls were registered to undergo the Alternative Rite of Passage ceremony.
In the ceremony, some of the problems related to FGM were discussed as follows:
1. Obstructed labour
2. Urine retention
3. Excessive bleeding which may lead to death or anaemia
4. Excessive pain
5. Contractions of disease as unsterilized instruments were used.

Also, Cherish Others Organisation targeted 30 women in the fight against FGM because elderly women performed the practice to earn income. In addition, Cherish Others realized that women, as parents of the girls at risk, were the main perpetrators of FGM in the households and society at large. Enlisting their support in the fight against FGM was crucial.

In the ceremony, some of the problems related to FGM were discussed as follows:
1. Obstructed labour
2. Urine retention
3. Excessive bleeding which may lead to death or anaemia
4. Excessive pain during menstruation
5. Infections
The girls and their parents made a declaration that they would not support FGM despite anticipated pressure from both peer and the society.