According to the United Nations, nearly 4.4 million girls globally will be at risk of the harmful practice of FGM this year. This equates to more than 12,000 cases every day. Here in Kenya, 21 percent of women and girls, aged 15-49, have undergone some form of FGM.
The practice of FGM is a block to the education of young girls and the well-being and self-actualization of women. The practice has no health benefits for girls and women. It causes severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth, and increased risk of newborn deaths. Several girls have been reported to have lost their lives due to the practice. FGM is done by traditionalists in manners that cause pain, harm, and health problems.
The Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), is one of the Kenyan organizations at the forefront against FGM. KEWOTA has a network of women teachers in Kenya, empowered by the organization to be change agents in schools and communities. KEWOTA educates girls and members of the communities about FGM and its dangers, empowers women teachers to be champions against FGM, works with authorities to rescue girls at risk, and provides a safe haven for them.
KEWOTA is against FGM at all costs and calls upon women teachers to be vigilant and brave in the fight against FGM, especially in high-risk counties. KEWOTA also calls upon all education sector stakeholders to come together in the fight against FGM which contributes to the lack of education for many girls.
The Kenya Women Teachers Association has a network of coordinators and chapter leaders(Sub-county coordinators) all over the country and in schools, and welcomes partnerships with organizations that are serious about ending FGM in Kenya. Contact us at info@kewota.co.ke and we can work together to eliminate this monstrous act against our women and girls in Kenya.