By MEF | Communications Officer
In the last quarter of the Men End FGM Foundation Accelerating Abandonmment of FGM in Kenya, School mentorship was carried out for 500 (250 boys, 250 girls) in Wamba girls, Wamba boys, Lkisin, and Swari Primary schools in Wamba north and Wamba west ward. Throughout the year, the sessions started with training on self-awareness, child marriage, the importance of education, effects of FGM, early pregnancies, and how it affects the community negatively. Community Role Models facilitated mentorship of the girls on the final day to encourage them to advocate against FGM and other harmful practise, and stick to their educational course to become future leaders in the community. Students from colleges and universities attended and shared their testimonies to encourage the others to participate in child protections clubs in schools. The activity empowered girls to become informed and active agents of change, increased awareness on FGM and other harmful practices within the school communities and created a critical mass of informed individuals who can challenge social norms within their families, peer groups, and communities. It laid a strong foundation for a future where young people are actively leading the fight against harmful practices and championing the protection and well-being of children.The school mentorship has the potential to create a ripple effect through the trained students becoming mentors for their peers, ensuring the continued spread of awareness and positive attitudes. The actual numbers achieved during the year are 2032 (1056 boys, 976 girls). With the baseline included, 3,232 students (1,656 boys and 1,576 girls) have been reached through mentorship and training on FGM and other harmful practices.
In addition, community forums in collaboration with reformed circumcisers were carried out in Swari Village, Wamba North Ward and on 27th and 28th March 2024 in Remote Village in Wamba West Ward. 450 participants (350 Women and 100 female youth) were sensitized on FGM, Child Marriage and importance of education. The forums comprised of interactive presentations by reformed circumcisers sharing their personal journeys of abandoning the practice and embracing positive change, question and answer sessions to address community concerns and misconceptions about FGM, and challenge harmful gender norms and promote alternative rites of passage for girls, sharing of testimonies by survivors of FGM and girls who have benefited from alternative ceremonies and information sharing on available support services and legal protection for girls and women.
During this same period, sustained conversations with 200 members from 7 men and boys’ groups in Kiltamany village in Wamba West Ward and Nairirimo Village in Wamba North Ward was conducted. They explored social and gender norms that sustained FGM and other forms of GBV in their community. Throughout the year, the discussions aimed to raise awareness, challenge harmful attitudes, and encourage participants to become active agents for change. It was noted that engaging men and boys disrupts the cycle of FGM tradition as their voices hold weight within communities, promoting positive change. In some places, participants demonstrated basic awareness of FGM and GBV as harmful practices, but lacked deeper understanding of their long-term consequences. Some participants defended FGM as cultural practice. Many of the people were not courageous enough to openly challenge harmful practices due to fear of social repercussions. Several participants expressed a desire for positive change and acknowledged the need for men and boys to take a more active role in ending FGM and GBV. Some participants shared personal experiences of witnessing or opposing these practices. However, men and boys showed willingness to engage in critical reflection and consider their role in promoting positive change. Continued efforts have empowered men and boys as agents of change for the elimination of FGM and GBV in Samburu, but more training and support will equip these groups with the skills and knowledge to advocate effectively.
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