16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global movement for change that brings together civil societies, governments, and the regional and international community for a campaign that aims to raise awareness and call to action the end of all forms of violence against women and girls. Every year, from November 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), the 16 days of activism serve as an escalation of solidarity and unity of purpose in the activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
This year’s campaign is quite special as we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA) next year, 2025. The BPfA is a historical cornerstone blueprint for achieving gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights across the Globe. Against that background, the theme for this year’s campaign is “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.” UN Women has reminded states and institutions that there is #NoExcuse for GBV.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child Marriages form part of Gender-Based Violence. FGM is a deeply rooted practice, often intertwined with cultural and religious beliefs. In Kenya, FGM continues to be accounted for in 22 hotspot zones among them: Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Laikipia, Kajiado, Pokot, Isiolo, Garissa and Narok and others. From the physical effects to the psychological and emotional effects, FGM and Child Marriages continue to violate the rights of women and girls, more so in marginalized communities where the prevalence is high.
In Kenya, 15% of women age 15-49 are circumcised. According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), the prevalence of FGM declined from 38% in 1998, 32% in 2003 to 15% in 2022. This progress deserves commendation and it is a reflection of the collective action to end FGM by NGOs, CBOs and Government Institutions including the State Department for Gender, Anti-FGM Board and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF). The 2011 Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, among other legal frameworks in Kenya, continue to be comprehensive in the criminalization of all forms of FGM, despite the challenges in implementation and enforcement.
In most communities where FGM is prevalent, so are child marriages since the two are directly related. As a Faith-Based Organization (FBO), Spread Truth Africa has noted the critical role of Faith-Based Institutions in the fight to end FGM, having worked with churches and church leaders alongside Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and Rescue Centers during the Anti-FGM Initiatives. Faith-based institutions, with their inherent moral authority and widespread influence, are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in the eradication of FGM.
Religious leaders, as respected figures within their communities, can effectively challenge harmful practices like FGM by interpreting religious texts to promote gender equality and bodily autonomy. By highlighting the values of compassion, justice, and human dignity, they can counter the misconceptions that often justify FGM. To build their capacity, Spread Truth Africa uses its FGM Psychosocial Support Curriculum, ‘What is a Little Girl Worth?’ The curriculum is Christian-based and seeks to educate on FGM while addressing the psychosocial and emotional effects on survivors or those at risk.
Furthermore, religious sermons and teachings can be used to educate congregants about the health risks and human rights violations associated with FGM, fostering a sense of empathy and encouraging dialogue. Spread Truth Africa has witnessed this, for instance in Eiti, Kajiado County where we have planted a Church, Olosaruni Baptist Church. The church and the leaders there have continued to be pivotal in the implementation of our FGM training and in supporting young girls.
In the area, we have worked with CBOs such as Illaramatak Community Concerns, further stamping the effectiveness of partnerships between faith-based institutions and the community in the fight to end FGM. In these initiatives, we have also partnered with government institutions like the National Youth Council of Kenya (NYC) that have advocated for the role of the youth in championing the fight to end FGM.
To supplement our FGM Psychosocial Support Training, Spread Truth Africa also conducts mentorship programs and menstrual health education for young girls, providing them with dignity packs that contain sanitary towels among other hygiene essentials. Spread Truth Africa’s Anti-FGM initiative has benefitted over 2,100 girls in Kajiado, Samburu, Narok, Elgeiyo-Marakwet, Baringo and Laikipia counties since it was launched in 2021. We have also worked with organizations like Patinaai Osim and Hope Beyond Foundation in Kajiado South. In Samburu, we have worked with and supported with Samburu Girls Foundation, One More Day Girls Safe House in Laikipia and Tareto Africa in Narok County among others.
FBOs can also establish programs and initiatives to empower women and girls, including trainings that provide the tools and knowledge for girls and women to make informed decisions about their bodies and lives. These organizations can challenge FGM practices and create a more equitable society by promoting economic opportunities and social empowerment. We support the Illaramatak Community Concerns with food that compliments their economic model for women empowerment, where women are empowered to venture into beading and tailoring as a source of income, most of these women bring Ex-Cutters who practiced FGM as a source of income. This initiative gives them an alternative, educates them on the effects of FGM, and trains them on how they can advocate for change in their communities.
Moreover, faith-based institutions can collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies for FGM prevention, especially at the grassroots level. This collaborative approach can leverage the strengths of each partner, ensuring a multifaceted response that addresses the root causes of the practice. By working together, FBOs can create a more supportive environment for survivors of FGM.
In conclusion, faith-based institutions possess the potential to be powerful agents of change in the fight against FGM. By harnessing their moral authority and community networks, they can contribute to a future where women and girls are free from harm and empowered to reach their full potential. Spread Truth Africa remains committed to empowering churches and church leaders to be advocates of ending FGM in the communities while collaborating with CBOs, government institutions and other stakeholders. #UNiTE! #NoExcuse.
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