End Female Genital Mutilation in 9 schools, Kenya

Dear Esteemed Partners,

We are excited to share with you the ongoing efforts of HFAW in our mission to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early teenage pregnancy, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nyamira County. Through engaging learners in social empowerment and capacity building, we are making significant strides towards achieving our objectives.

In January 2024, HFAW had the opportunity to interact with Manga Model Girls, a school community comprising 250 girls, 13 teachers, and 7 subordinate staff members, totaling 271 individuals. During our session, the girls were educated about FGM, its causes, effects, and issues on early teenage pregnancies. Some of the core areas of engagement were the health risks associated with FGM and menstrual hygiene. As the engagements continued, the girls demonstrated enthusiasm and curiosity, asking thought-provoking questions that reflected their eagerness to learn and understand.

Sharon, not her real name, raised concerns about the pain experienced during menstruation and its potential relationship to FGM. She asked, “Why do you experience pain during menstruation? Does it mean FGM is the cause?” Gladys, not her real name, on the other hand, questioned the conflicting advice regarding backache problems and sexual activity. She asked, “When experiencing backache problems, you are told you should have sex, yet you are telling us to abstain, aren’t we going to suffer more?”

Cynthia and Juliet, not their real names, sought clarification on common myths surrounding menstrual hygiene. Cynthia, not her real name, asked, “we are told when you have cramps, you should not share items with friends or seat on the same chair and if you want to be well, you look for someone to step on your back, is it true?” while Juliet, not her real name, asked, “Why is it that at times you menstruate clotted blood?”

Through open dialogue and education, HFAW staff debunked these misconceptions, empowering the girls with accurate information. For Sharon's concern about menstrual pain and its relation to FGM, the staff explained that FGM causes effects and in some women, it can cause painful menstruation due to damages done on the genitalia, and free flow of menstruation is hindered. Regarding Gladys' query on conflicting advice about backache and sexual activity, the staff emphasized the importance of abstaining from early sexual activity to avoid potential health risks, including exacerbating backache problems. For Cynthia and Juliet's inquiries about menstrual hygiene myths, the staff provided clarity by explaining that sharing items and certain rituals like stepping on the back have no scientific basis and may even be harmful. They also addressed Juliet's question about clotted blood during menstruation, clarifying that it's a normal occurrence due to the shedding of the uterine lining. Through these explanations, the staff empowered the girls to dispel misconceptions and promote health awareness. All these questions asked by the learners was an indication that they were enthusiastic and actively participated in the discussions and requested the team to go back for more sensitization sessions.

Additionally, we encountered a challenge involving a disabled student in need of walking aids. While this issue awaits further action from higher authorities, we remain committed to addressing the diverse needs of all learners. Despite these challenges, the learners exhibited a profound understanding of the detrimental effects of FGM and early teenage pregnancy on their education and well-being. They pledged to reject behaviors that jeopardize their lives, signaling a promising shift in attitudes towards these harmful practices.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our partners for their unwavering support and dedication to our cause. Together, we are making strides towards creating a safer and more empowered community for our girls.

With warm regards,

Doris Kananu,

Program Director

Dear HFAW Friends, Supporters, and Partners,

HFAW continues its commitment to ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nyamira County through school outreaches, engaging learners as active participants due to their vulnerability to this harmful practice. In October, the HFAW team reached two schools in Riamanoti area, with a population of 213 members, comprising 91 girls and 111 boys.

During the discussion, the learners were educated about FGM, its causes, effects, and issues on early teenage pregnancies. As the interaction unfolded, students shared their challenges. Nyaboke, not her real name, highlighted the struggles students go through to meet their basic needs. She said, “Many parents can’t afford to buy for their children their basic needs, which compels them to go and look out for themselves, and in turn, they end up paying with sex. This leads to not only pregnancy, but they also contract STIs.”

Okemwa, not her real name, added and said, “Poor use of social media also affects some of us by watching pornographic materials not only at home but also in our studies.” Mora, not her real name, also said, ’’ Lack of awareness from some of our parents is also a great challenge because they still rely on the past information that supported FGM practice without knowing the effects’’. She continued and said, “It will also be of great help if awareness can be created among the parents at home to make them aware of the effects of the practice.”

One of the female teachers emphasized that it was essential to get the local leaders to implement the antifGM policies because, at the moment, many unreached parts of Nyamira ignore these policies and continue with the practice.

Osiemo, not his real name, added and said that his fears are that the girls are being chopped off a body part that is so sensitive. He said, “Perpetrators should be jailed for a life sentence.”

The learners, influenced by the awareness created during this session, expressed their commitment to becoming advocates against FGM in their community. They pledged to campaign rigorously against the practice, ensuring that future generations are spared from FGM.

From HFAW's teachings, one learner said “with the knowledge we have gotten we will make sure we campaign for the stop of FGM in the community completely.’’ This was reiterated by many learners who committed that they will not subject their children to FGM.

The positive reactions from the learners indicate a promising shift in attitudes towards ending FGM, and the HFAW team is grateful for this encouraging outreach. However, financial support remains crucial for reaching more schools and communities to completely eradicate FGM.

We do not take for granted your continued support.

Kind Regards,
Doris Kananu
HFAW