In Kajiado County, where cultural norms and traditions run deep, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has long been a deeply entrenched practice, with an estimated 24% FGM prevalence. For generations, FGM was seen as a rite of passage for girls, a necessary step before marriage. However, a new wave of change is sweeping through the county, driven by a group that has long been missing from the conversation, men.
During periods of drought, families in Kajiado often face devastating economic hardships. As livestock perish and livelihoods crumble, many parents turn to child marriage as a means to economic survival, with FGM being a prerequisite for marriage in many cases. Historically, men have been detached from these decisions, leaving the responsibility to women without questioning the impact on their daughters.
This is beginning to change. Men End FGM initiative, implemented by the Progressive Cultures CBO with support from Amplify Change has sparked important dialogues among men and elders in the community, aiming to strengthen the movement of men and boys advocating for Gender Equality. These conversations have brought to light the profound consequences of FGM and early marriage on the lives of young girls. Men, who have often been unaware of the impact of these practices, are now stepping up to challenge the status quo.
Men have realized they have been the missing link in the fight against FGM. As one elder confessed, “We did not interfere or question the affairs of our daughters, leaving everything to their mothers.” This newfound awareness has prompted men to take responsibility for the well-being of their daughters and be active participants in ending harmful cultural practices.
Ole Lepos, a father from Ilmarba village, shared his transformative experience: “After attending dialogues in March, April, and May, I sold a few goats and started a shop selling Maasai Shuka and cereals in Ilmarba center, where we have been conducting our dialogues.” I am enjoying the income, and I feel my household is now safe and their livelihood is protected. Now, I won’t be under any pressure to circumcise my daughters or get them from school to marry them off because of poverty.”
These dialogues have been instrumental in shifting perspectives, showing men that their daughters’ health and education is far more valuable than the temporary economic relief that might come from a dowry. By taking a stand and working alongside women, they protect their daughters and guarantee a brighter future for their entire community.
As more men join the conversation and take action, there is hope that FGM will no longer be a rite of passage for girls in Kajiado. Instead, they will let girls pursue their education, achieve their dreams, and contribute to the community’s growth without the threat of harmful practices holding them back.
This new wave of male engagement is crucial to breaking the cycle of FGM and early marriage, ensuring that the next generation of girls in Kajiado can grow up in a safer, more equitable environment. With men like Ole Lepos leading the way, the cycle of FGM in Kajiado is on the verge of being broken, paving the way for a new era of gender equality and empowerment.
