By Doris Kananu | Program Director
Dear Esteemed Supporters and Cheerleaders,
We are excited to share the outcomes of the male training held at Nyamusi in April 2024. Your unwavering support has empowered HFAW to reach even more communities, spreading awareness about crucial issues affecting them. This month, we extended our work to Nyamusi, where we engaged 25 men, including the area chief, in a workshop focused on ending female genital mutilation (FGM), gender-based violence (GBV), and promoting sexual and reproductive health. For a very long time men are left out of the antifgm and anti-GBV campaigns and yet some of them are key perpetrators of these vices. Men are considered heads of families as well as decision makers in our communities.
The workshop began with an introduction of HFAW team who are behind these work. The facilitators gave a brief history of the organization and work which was inspired by the Founder’s real life experience of the practice of FGM. These men were welcomed to one of the rare seminars in which real life experiences were shared to reveal what women go through with FGM and GBV practices and the real impact not only on them but the entire community.
Gladys provided an in-depth explanation of FGM, describing it as the partial or total removal of the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. She categorized the effects of FGM into short-term and long-term, highlighting the severe physical and psychological consequences, including prolonged labor, keloids, and the risk of stillbirths. She also shared her personal testimony as a fistula survivor, emphasizing the need for men to take an active role in ending FGM.
The participants engaged in meaningful discussions, raising important questions and sharing their experiences. And some men did not mince words as they revealed their concerns. Samuel questioned the loss of FGM as traditional rite of passage where girls were taught how to become mothers and wives, real home makers. He said, “We advocate for the continuity of FGM because it is a rite of passage, now what will be done if this will be stopped? Won’t our girls become laughing stocks with insults such as ‘ebisagane’ (meaning lasses who know nothing about womanhood)?” The facilitator explained in detail how women don’t have to be cut to be great mothers and wives and gave many examples.
Isaac had a different take. He discovered the reasons behind his wife’s lack of sexual desire. He said, “I have seen the reason why my wife doesn’t have that desire for me, surely the senses were removed so even having the feelings for me is a problem?” Richard on his part appreciated the newfound understanding of how to approach his wife having received guidance on how to live with FGM survivor. He expressed, “I have realized the many wrong approaches and will strive to rectify.”
The men also discussed the GBV issue, while recognizing that violence often stems from power imbalances and cultural norms. Joyce emphasized the importance of proper communication, mutual respect, and understanding between couples in order to curb GBV. The participants acknowledged that even though majority of GBV survivors are women, men, too, suffer from violence but often remain silent due to societal expectations.
By the end of the training, the men took a stand to lead in FGM abandonment. They recognized the need for open communication, shared responsibilities, and respect in their relationships. The area chief, Mr. Erick Anyoka Moriasi, expressed his gratitude for the workshop and requested more sessions, particularly for adolescent girls and at-risk youth.
The workshop at Nyamusi was a significant step towards creating awareness and fostering change within the community. The participants left with a renewed commitment to advocate for positive transformations in their lives and those of their families.
As always, we are grateful for your continued support. Your contributions make it possible for us to reach more communities and make a lasting impact. We encourage you to share our mission with your networks and invite others to join us in this crucial work.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey toward a safer and more equitable society.
Sincerely,
Doris Kananu, Program Director
By Doris Kananu | Program Director
By Doris Kananu | Program Director
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