FG Mutilation
FGM is the enforced cutting of the female genitalia. This practice still takes place for cultural reasons in some regions of Africa, Asia and Europe. FGM has been illegal in Kenya since 2001.
FGM generally targets girls between 8 and 16. FGM season, an occurrence which takes place once every two years in Kenya, has once again just begun.
On the 28th of November 2008 in Kuria, Kenya, two armed men stormed into Christine Mwita’s home to forcefully take her for circumcision. Her father tried to stop the men. A fight broke out. Her father’s hand was cut off at the wrist by a machete.
Christine, 15, thanks to her father’s bravery, got a chance and ran. She made her way to the Gitokwe FGM Refuge Centre where she was kept safe for a time. This centre gave temporary refuge to over 170 girls being threatened with circumcision.
In 2008 Aidlink, along with our partner The Girl Child Network, provided psychosocial assistance to over 340 girls throughout the FGM season. For a little under €5000 we were also able to provide each and every one of these girls with food and bedding, hygiene products like soap, toothpaste and sanitary towels as well as some second hand clothes for the duration of the season.
However, this is only a temporary solution. Since 2006 we have also been working in partnership with the Dept. for Children, local Govt. administration, village elders, parents, boys, girls and even the circumcisers themselves (offering guidance and support on alternative occupations) to ensure full community participation and buy-in to the anti-FGM campaign. We are seeing signs of change. Over 20,000 girls were educated on their rights over the last year alone. This vital work continues today.
