By Doris Kananu | Program Director
Dear Esteemed Friends and Partners,
In the month of May our advocacy team visited Blessed Amazing Academy, and reached a population of 312 students, comprising 170 boys and 130 girls. The school staff includes 32 male teachers and 20 female teachers, reflecting a robust and supportive educational environment.
Upon arrival, our team was warmly welcomed and immediately noticed the high level of discipline among the students. The sessions, designed to address critical issues such as FGM and early pregnancies, were well-received by the learners. During these sessions, we engaged in participatory dialogues that encouraged the students to share their thoughts and questions without fear.
Joyce initiated a discussion about the rights of children and the misconceptions surrounding FGM. She asked the students to share what they had heard about FGM, and several myths emerged. Moraa, not her real name, mentioned that some believe if you are not cut, you will not get married and boys will not like you. Brenda, not her real name, shared that it is often promised as a rite of passage, a gift similar to receiving new clothes or good food. Cecilia, not her real name, also expressed a common myth that if not cut, a girl will not grow properly. In addition, Dorothy, not her real name, raised the misconception that the clitoris will grow excessively and cause hygiene issues if not removed.
Our team addressed these myths, explaining the harmful effects of FGM, skills of revisiting it and the importance of bodily autonomy and rights. We also discussed the serious health risks and the psychological impact of FGM. Richard, not his real name, bravely spoke about how his grandmother had wanted to cut his sister, but his mother intervened. Lydia shared a similar story, highlighting the importance of family support in resisting the practice of FGM.
We also touched on the issue of early pregnancies, with several students acknowledging the pressures and misconceptions that lead to this problem. The team emphasized the long-term consequences of early pregnancies and encouraged the students to prioritize their education and gave different self-advocacy skills at home.
Emily, not her real name, asked if it is possible to restore the clitoris, which has been lost due to FGM. Joyce explained that in Kisii community, it is impossible to restore a cut clitoris because it is cut off and thrown away. Joyce explained that in very rare situations those women who got a cut that spared the clitoris, like the communities that practice infibulation (e.g. Somali), a few of those women especially those who have lived in the western countries have access to reconstructive surgery. The vagina lips gets opened up to expose the clitoris because sometimes it is not cut. But the cut off sections of the lips cannot be returned even with surgery. That means, Joyce expressed, that FGM must be avoided at all cost.
The sessions were engaging and informative and learners expressed a desire for our team to return for more sessions.
The visit concluded with the learners expressing their gratitude and wishing us well. The team left with a renewed commitment to continue advocating for the rights and well-being of these young individuals.
Thank you for your continued support. Your contributions are vital in helping us empower communities and promote self-reliance, and information to resist FGM and early pregnancies among the youth. Please share our mission with your friends, colleagues, and family, and let them know that saving one girl from FGM or early pregnancy is a worthy cause.
With much gratitude,
Doris Kananu
Program Director.
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