Train 120 Health & Human Rights promoters in Kenya

Dear Esteemed Supporters and Cheerleaders,

We are delighted to share with you the outcomes of the male training held at Kitaru. Your steadfast support continues to empower HFAW to reach more communities with critical advocacy on FGM, GBV, and sexual and reproductive health. For far too long, men have been left out of anti-FGM and anti-GBV efforts, despite their key role as decision-makers in families and communities. The Kitaru training engaged 25 men, including the area chief, and brought together leaders from different religious denominations, youth representatives, clan elders, social officers, and men living with disabilities. It was a diverse and inclusive gathering that truly reflected community ownership.

The facilitators began by introducing HFAW’s vision and mission, inspired by our founder’s lived experiences with the harmful practice of FGM. They emphasized that ending FGM and addressing GBV require men’s involvement, as these issues affect the wellbeing of the whole family.

Gladys led a powerful session on FGM, elaborating on its negative impacts on women’s physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. She explained how families are directly affected and why men must play a role in ending the practice. Joyce followed with a discussion on FGM as a major driver of GBV, linking harmful cultural practices with family breakdowns and strained relationships. The training also touched on sexual and reproductive health, highlighting that most men only seek medical checkups when already sick. This was an eye-opener for the participants, who acknowledged the importance of preventive care at least once or twice a year to avoid long-term health complications.

The men engaged in frank and honest conversations, raising real issues they face in their relationships.

• One participant admitted, “I now understand the reason behind my wife’s negative attitude towards sex. I realize I am part of the problem because I don’t prepare her emotionally, and she’s not ready when I demand it. This causes chaos.”
• Another was puzzled as to why his wife seemed ready for intimacy despite being cut, while others raised concerns about premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and hygiene within relationships.
• The facilitators emphasized that sex is not just physical but also psychological, and advised men to adopt healthy practices such as eating nutritious foods, exercising, staying hydrated, avoiding stress, and seeking medical attention when necessary.

The training also revealed deep-seated social issues:

• Some men admitted struggling to support their wives, citing hygiene concerns, while others confessed ignorance about women’s sensitive body parts.
• A church leader confessed that he had not known the full extent of FGM’s impact and vowed to return to his congregation to raise awareness and treat his wife with greater understanding and compassion. More importantly, men committed to fight against FGM in their communities.

By the end of the training, the participants expressed gratitude for the rare opportunity to learn openly about these sensitive topics. They committed to breaking the silence, supporting their wives, and advocating for FGM abandonment in their communities. The area chief praised the initiative and strongly requested that similar trainings be extended to women and youth to create a well-rounded, informed community.

The Kitaru training was another vital step toward building healthier, respectful, and equitable families. We are grateful for your unwavering support, which makes it possible for us to reach communities with such life-changing discussions. Together, we are dismantling harmful cultural practices and paving the way for safer, healthier families.

Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Sincerely,
Doris Kananu
Program Director

Dear Esteemed Friends, Supporters and Advocates,

On March 8, 2025, we had the privilege of celebrating International Women’s Day at Nyamarimba Sublocation, Nyamira County. This year’s theme, “For All Women and Girls! Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” set the stage for important discussions on women’s rights, gender equality, and the role of empowerment in shaping a better future for all.

The event brought together women from the community to reflect on the significance of knowing their rights. We emphasized that awareness is the first step toward self-protection and empowerment. When a woman understands her rights, she can stand up for herself and advocate for others. The discussion highlighted that equality is not about competition between men and women but about ensuring that everyone has the same opportunities to thrive.

One of the key topics was the role of culture in shaping gender roles and expectations. Many women expressed their struggles with discrimination, particularly in matters of property ownership and decision-making within their families. Some shared their concerns about whether their husbands would accept the changes they were learning about. “Madam, it’s good that you’ve told us this, but will our husbands agree with us?” one participant, Ochoki, not her real name, asked.

I assured them that change takes time and starts with open conversations. Cultural norms have been deeply ingrained for generations, but progress is possible when women begin to assert themselves and engage their families in discussions about equality. Viola, not her real name another participant, voiced her fears, “We fear being chased away. These men were raised with such beliefs, and changing them is like bending a mature tree—it will break.” However, Josephine, not her real name, encouraged her fellow women to take the first step, reminding them that seeking help and guidance from local authorities was always an option.

Sophia, not her real name, visibly surprised, admitted that she had never realized she had a right to property ownership. “This is my first time hearing that I have a right to property. I always believed that because my husband brought me into his home, everything belongs to him—even myself.” Bethsheba, not her real name, also shared her frustrations, questioning why, in family discussions, her husband always involved his brothers but excluded her. “From today, I will be part of those conversations,” she declared confidently.

Another critical issue that emerged was the often-overlooked experience of men facing domestic abuse. The local chief revealed that some men in the community suffered silently, fearing shame and ridicule if they spoke out. This revelation prompted further discussion on the importance of addressing all forms of gender-based violence, regardless of the victim’s gender. The chief even requested HFAW to extend its outreach to a nearby sublocation where high cases of alcohol-related gender-based violence were reported, with women being the primary perpetrators.

As the session concluded, the women expressed their commitment to taking action. They pledged to challenge cultural norms that undermine them, educate their families about gender equality, and stand firm in advocating for their rights. The event reinforced the understanding that gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is a societal issue that affects everyone.

We are grateful to all our supporters for walking with us on this journey of empowerment and transformation. As we continue to push for a world free from violence and discrimination, we remain hopeful that these conversations will inspire real change within our communities. We humbly request that you keep supporting us and share out our reports to friends.

With gratitude,
Doris Kananu
Program Director.