Survivors transform their traumatic experiences into advocacy to end FGM.
By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Naomy Kolian’s journey from trauma to advocacy |
| Lilian Saruni’s fight to protect her daughters from FGM |
| Community education and support networks against FGM |
| The significant impact of local leaders and NGOs |
| The reduction of FGM prevalence in Narok County |
Naomy Kolian: A Journey from Trauma to Advocacy
Personal Story and Trauma
Naomy Kolian’s life in Empash village, Narok County, tells a powerful story. At just 14 years old, she experienced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a painful practice rooted deeply in her Maasai community. The procedure, performed without anesthesia, left her with severe physical and emotional wounds. She faced long-term health issues and emotional trauma, which became a constant reminder of this brutal cultural practice (ReliefWeb).
Source: UNICEF Data
Educational and Athletic Background
School offered Naomy a brief escape from her daunting reality. Compassion International provided her with an opportunity to attend school, where she excelled academically and athletically. She quickly became a top runner in her primary school, showing exceptional promise. Unfortunately, her encounter with FGM halted her dreams abruptly. This procedure destroyed not only her physical abilities but also her future prospects (Standard Media).
Advocacy and Community Engagement
Naomy turned her suffering into advocacy. She founded Eselenge Engayion, an organization committed to youth empowerment and providing safe havens for girls at risk of FGM and early marriage. Eselenge Engayion’s initiatives include:
- Community Education: Raising awareness about the dangers and consequences of FGM through public speaking and community meetings.
- Safe Spaces: Creating protection and support networks for girls fleeing forced mutilation.
- Collaborations: Partnering with local leaders, NGOs, and healthcare workers to combat FGM effectively (TNX Africa).
Impact and Recognition
Naomy’s tireless efforts have borne fruit. The incidence of FGM in Narok County has dropped significantly, from 78% to 51%, according to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 data. This significant reduction is partly due to the support from organizations like Amref Health Africa, which trains and empowers survivors to lead discussions and offer psycho-social support (Standard Media).
Overcoming Barriers
Despite her achievements, Naomy faced numerous barriers. Her community holds FGM in high regard, considering it a rite of passage. Convincing people to abandon deeply-rooted traditions requires immense effort and resilience. Yet, her ability to connect with people on a personal level, sharing her story openly, has made a difference. This approach humanizes the issue, enabling her community to see the real pain and damage FGM causes.
Lilian Saruni: From Victim to Protector
Personal Story and Challenges
Lilian Saruni, a mother of seven children, encountered FGM and faced immense pressure to subject her daughters to it. Her husband insisted on continuing this practice, but Lilian stood firm. She turned to her beading business to fund her children’s education and support her advocacy against FGM. This business venture provided her with financial independence, allowing her to take a powerful stance against harmful cultural practices (Transcontinental Times).
Community Efforts and Support
Source: UNICEF
Lilian’s advocacy strategy focuses on community outreach and support networks. With backing from local chiefs and clergy, she has protected her daughters and helped other girls at risk. Her effective community efforts include:
- Community Outreach: Actively engaging with community members to educate them about FGM’s harmful effects, encouraging discussions and dialogues to dismantle cultural myths.
- Support Networks: Creating robust networks that offer protection and support for girls at risk, ensuring their well-being and safety (ReliefWeb).
Broader Impact
Lilian’s advocacy work has led to a broader impact beyond her immediate community. Her efforts, combined with those of other advocates, contribute to the global fight against FGM. Each conversation and community meeting helps shift attitudes and practices, paving the way for a FGM-free future. Lilian’s story resonates with many, offering hope and a tangible model of resistance (Transcontinental Times).
Overcoming Stigma
Source: WHO
Overcoming societal stigma remains a significant challenge. Communities that value FGM often ostracize those who reject it. Yet, Lilian’s efforts have started changing these perceptions. Her involvement in community dialogues has gradually shifted attitudes. Community members now see the negative impacts of FGM on health and well-being, leading to increased support for anti-FGM initiatives.
The Role of External Support
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
NGOs play a critical role in supporting local advocates like Naomy and Lilian. Organizations like Compassion International and Amref Health Africa provide essential resources, training, and platforms for education and advocacy. These NGOs help create frameworks that enable sustained community engagement and support survivors of FGM.
Government and Legislative Support
Source: Equality Now
Government and legislative support remain vital in combating FGM. Laws prohibiting FGM, alongside stringent enforcement, help protect girls and women. Collaboration between the government and NGOs ensures that efforts to eradicate FGM are comprehensive and effective. Public policies and national campaigns are crucial in changing attitudes and practices.
The Path Forward for Racial Justice
Source: NCBI
The advocacy work of Naomy Kolian and Lilian Saruni significantly impacts the fight against Female Genital Mutilation in Kenya. Their efforts, supported by a network of organizations and local leaders, have led to a reduction in FGM cases and protection for future generations. Collaboration between survivors, communities, NGOs, and governments remains essential to eradicate FGM and ensure a safer future for girls and women in Kenya and beyond.
FAQ
Q: What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?
A: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or total removal of female genitalia, often performed under non-medical conditions.
Q: How has Naomy Kolian’s work impacted FGM cases?
A: Naomy’s efforts have contributed to a significant reduction in FGM cases in Narok County, with prevalence dropping from 78% to 51% (Standard Media).
Q: What organization did Naomy Kolian found?
A: Naomy founded Eselenge Engayion, focusing on empowering youth and providing safe havens for girls at risk of FGM and early marriage (TNX Africa).
Q: How does Lilian Saruni fund her advocacy work?
A: Lilian uses her beading business to fund her children’s education and support her advocacy efforts against FGM (Transcontinental Times).
Q: What role do local leaders play in combating FGM?
A: Local leaders and clergy provide crucial support for advocacy efforts, helping to change community attitudes and protect girls from FGM (ReliefWeb).
About the author:
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been pursuing his love of teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.
