In the heart of Embobut, a village steeped in tradition, the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) casts a long shadow over the lives of young girls. With a staggering prevalence rate of nearly 55% in the area, FGM is not merely a cultural rite; it is a deeply entrenched belief system that defines womanhood in this community. The ceremonies often occur during the long December holidays, when families gather to honor age-old customs. Last year alone, an alarming 300 girls underwent this painful procedure, many of whom were subjected to severe complications that went unreported due to fear and stigma.
Evans Ruto, a health practitioner in the area, has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of FGM. He recalls receiving multiple cases of heavy bleeding following these procedures, with many girls arriving at the local health centre too late for proper care. "After the practice was conducted, I received more than five cases of heavy bleeding," he recounts somberly. "Most cases went unreported; these girls are terrified of facing legal repercussions or societal ostracism." The community's pressure is relentless; songs are sung to mock those who have not undergone FGM, branding them as incomplete women.”
Evans Ruto educating the community in Embobut on the female anatomy.
Evans and his fellow healthcare workers conduct awareness campaigns on the health effects of FGM. They strive to educate families and encourage discussions on eradicating the harmful practice. "We have to ensure that awareness campaigns are frequent, especially during the December holidays," he emphasizes. "The people here forget very fast." The awareness campaigns are most times met with a lot of hostility from the community especially men who are not ready to change their beliefs.
Evans recounts that in 2023 November, a police officer was stoned to death. Angry youth raided a police post in a bid to get girls, who had been rescued by police from undergoing FGM, where they overpowered the officer who was on duty and stoned him to death before burning his body using a mattress. In a related incident, a Catholic priest, Fr. Amos Kimutai of St. Kizito Catholic Church, was also injured by youths as he tried to rescue girls from FGM as reported by the Kenya News Agency.
The Centre for Enhancing Democracy and Good Governance (CEDGG) in collaboration with UNFPA in Kenya is working with clinical officers such as Evans Ruto in the grassroots areas in target counties to increase awareness among the community about the negative/ health effects of FGM. The outreach interventions include engaging men and village elders to educate them on risks associated with FGM and its detrimental implications for their daughters, sisters, and wives. These initiatives aim to foster behavior change for meaningful transformation within the community. The community sensitization forums culminated with village-based elders’ declarations to end FGM in counties with about 1200 elders and religious leaders committing to champion an end to FGM in West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties.
Community Engagement Forum in Chorwo, Elgeyo Marakwet County
