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"FGM: A Harrowing Reality for Maasai Women in Kenya"

In the heart of Empash village, Suswa, Narok County, Kenya, Naomy Kolian’s story unfolds like a gripping saga of pain, resilience, and unyielding determination. A mother of five and a fierce advocate against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Naomy’s journey began with an unlikely opportunity to attend school, which was abruptly interrupted when she was forced to undergo FGM at the age of 14.

The Ordeal:

Naomy recounts the excruciating details of her mutilation, describing how she was taken outside, stripped, and doused with ice-cold water to numb her nerves. She was then sat down and held to the ground by strong women, who tied ropes on her legs and passed them through pierced holes in the wall, forcing her legs apart. Despite her struggles, she managed to overpower them temporarily, but this only led to more brutal measures.

The Aftermath:

Naomy’s ordeal is a stark representation of the plight faced by many Maasai women, who endure such inhumane practices under the guise of cultural preservation. She suffered severe complications, including chronic pain, anxiety, and fear of intimacy. Her athletic potential was lost, and she was forced to fake a relationship to avoid marriage.

The Fight Against FGM:

Naomy is today one of Kenya’s most powerful and persuasive advocates for the eradication of FGM. She founded a grassroots organization, Eselenge Engayion, which focuses on empowering the youth and providing safe havens for girls fleeing forced FGM. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a powerful narrative against FGM.

The Global Effort:

The fight against FGM is a global effort, with organizations like The Girl Generation-Support to the Africa-Led Movement (TGG-ALM) working in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somaliland to combat FGM. The consortium is led by Options Consultancy Services and includes Amref Health Africa, Action Aid, the Orchid Project, the Africa Coordination Centre for the Abandonment of FGM/C, and the University of Portsmouth.

The Road Ahead:

The road ahead is challenging, but there is hope. The Somaliland Ministry of Social Affairs is drafting an anti-FGM policy, and the government of Kenya has a strong stance against FGM. The UNICEF report titled Female Genital Mutilation: A Global Concern-2024 highlights the need for a 27 times faster rate of decline to meet the target of eliminating FGM by 2030.

Naomy’s story is a powerful reminder of the need to eradicate FGM. The fight is not easy, but with organizations like TGG-ALM and individuals like Naomy, there is hope for a better future. The road ahead is long, but with collective efforts, we can make a difference and ensure that no girl has to undergo the horrors of FGM.