International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is celebrated on the 25th of November every year. This coincides with our Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) courses, which take place annually in November and December.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice still carried out in areas of Kenya, despite being made illegal and condemned internationally. It is a violation of human rights, an extreme form of gender-based violence, and threatens the health and lives of girls and women.
Speaking with Richard Kirui – Community Health Education Coordinator, and Jackline Chepngeno – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Coordinator, in preparation for this blog, they explained that FGM still takes place in Kenya due to cultural beliefs among different tribes. In Kericho County, the practice of FGM continues as a symbol of the change from girlhood to womanhood, and in preparation for marriage. In some parts of the county, the practice is believed to increase the strength of the marriage bond, and represents a cultural celebration where families unite to share clan rules, guided by elders.
Brighter Communities Worldwide deliver a programme designed to encourage communities to abandon the practice of FGM and change cultural norms around violence against women. This ritual and celebration aspect of the practice is central along with a 5 day training courses for the girls. Our FGM Abandonment programme encourages communities to Say No to FGM and replace the practice with a safer, culturally appropriate alternative.
The programme creates greater awareness of the dangers of FGM, and why the practices should be abandoned through community-based education. This process centres around the girls themselves, and includes sensitisation and mobilisation for communities, including the provision of reproductive health information and materials. This takes place during the year at various ‘hot spots’ across the county known to still practice FGM. The community are encouraged to join the programme and work with BCW to abandon the practice of FGM. The Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) course runs over 5 days, and is delivered with community support and involvement. This includes modules on traditional rites of passage and taboos, bodily changes, menstruation, and empowerment, among other things. The programme also builds capacity among community members, and improves their knowledge and skills on gender equality.
Marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and promoting ARP among communities is vital to abandon the practice and FGM, and important to create awareness around negative traditional taboos, and to equip communities with knowledge and skills. This helps to raise the voices of women to advance their human rights. This day is an opportunity for us to join hands with global advocates for women’s rights, and to break away from harmful traditions.
Since 2023, a total of 4,250 girls have taken part in the ARP programme, including Purity Cheptoo from Kipsitet Village. She explains that “the ARP training has made me confident of raising my voice against FGM, and building my future career.”
Join us throughout November and December in raising our voices to end violence against women.
If you would like to donate to our work to end FGM, please click here.
“Break the silence! Stop violence against women and girls”
