Keep safe 2000 girls at risk of FGM in rural Kenya

In our ongoing efforts to support vulnerable girls impacted by FGM, child marriage, and other forms of violence in rural and cross-border areas of Kuria, Kenya, we have addressed both immediate needs and long-term impacts of violence by providing direct support. This included menstrual health care, referrals, case reporting and management, and the provision of basic essentials. The support helped alleviate some of the immediate distress faced by the girls impacted.

Early November marked a critical and concerning period for girls in the Kuria region in all the 4 sub-counties namely(Kuria West,Kuria East,Ntimaru and Mabera) , as it saw the beginning of the 2024 Female Genital Mutilation season, a harmful cultural practice. During this time, approximately 5000 girls have been impacted as some have been forcefully mutilated and others have ran away from from fear of being forced to undergo the cut. This practice, which has persisted for generations, poses health risks and violates the rights of girls, severely impacting their overall well-being and future prospects.

Immediate Response and Support Services
In response to the urgent needs of the girls, we distributed 10,000 care packs to 1000 girls containing menstrual health essential items such as sanitary towels, bathing soap, washing soap, toothpaste, panties, bras, body lotion and tissue paper. These packs aimed to address the immediate needs of girls and menstrual health care during this traumatic period. We also provided food stuffs such as cooking oil, sugar, rice and cereals.

Comprehensive Support for Survivors
beyond providing basic care essentials, we ensured comprehensive support through:

1. Transport and Referral Services: We facilitated transportation assistance and referrals to local healthcare centers for treatment and follow-up care, ensuring that affected 100 girls received the medical attention they needed.
2. Case Management and Reporting: Leveraging the youth champions across the community, we utilized a case management approach to document and report cases of FGM. This approach allowed us to monitor the health and safety of the 500 girls, collaborate with local authorities, and coordinate with healthcare providers to address any complications or risks.
3. Girls' Safe Spaces: To create a supportive environment, we established 20 girls' safe spaces led by peers. These spaces provided 500 girls with a platform to share their experiences, access psychosocial support, and build resilience through guided discussions and support networks. This spaces the girls to speak up, connect with their peers, and access the necessary resources for recovery and advocacy.

Our efforts prioritize the health and well-being of vulnerable girls. By supporting 1,000 girls with basic essentials, creating 20 safe spaces for 500 girls, and ensuring access to health care and psychosocial support, we are committed to continuing our support for girls impacted by FGM and other forms of violence.

Links:

• Msichana Empowerment Kuria's website
• Msichana Empowerment Kuria blog on period friendly world
• Msichana Empowerment Kuria Twitter account