Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a complex issue in Kenya. It’s a practice deeply rooted in some communities, often seen as a necessary rite of passage into womanhood. But it’s also a practice the country is actively working to leave behind. While the national trend is a positive one, it’s important to remember that this isn’t a simple or uniform story.
A Declining Trend with Deeper Roots
Kenya has made significant strides in combating FGM. The government passed the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act in 2011, making the practice a criminal offense with serious penalties. Alongside this legal action, grassroots organizations and community leaders are working tirelessly to change perceptions from within.
They’re not just telling people to stop a practice. They’re helping communities find meaningful, healthy alternatives, like “alternative rites of passage,” which celebrate a girl’s transition to womanhood without the harmful cutting. This approach respects cultural heritage while prioritizing the health and safety of girls.
Education also plays a crucial role. Data shows that girls and women with higher levels of education are much less likely to undergo FGM. This highlights how empowering women and girls through education is a powerful tool in the fight to end this practice.
A Battle Still Being Fought
Despite the progress, the fight is far from over. FGM is still a significant issue in certain regions and among specific ethnic groups. In some cases, the practice has gone underground or been “medicalised”, where it’s performed by healthcare professionals, which presents new challenges.
The goal is to completely eradicate FGM by 2030, in line with global targets. Achieving this will require continued effort from everyone—the government, community leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens. It’s about protecting the rights of every girl and ensuring her future is free from harm.
Fact Check
- FGM is Illegal: The Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2011 makes FGM a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment.
- Declining Prevalence: The national prevalence of FGM among women aged 15-49 has fallen significantly, from 21% in 2014 to 15% in 2022, according to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS).
- Uneven Progress: The decline is not uniform. The practice remains highly prevalent in certain communities, such as the Somali and Samburu, while it is almost non-existent in others.
- Education’s Impact: A strong link exists between education and FGM. In 2022, only 5.9% of women with more than secondary education had undergone FGM, compared to 56.3% of women with no formal education.
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