'Every blade broken is a life saved': New campaign launched to end FGM

Sounding a clarion call against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya, women’s rights organization Nguvu Collective, KEWOPA and Anti-FGM Board Kenya joined hands to launch a collective fight to eradicate the human rights violation from the country through a creative campaign dubbed ‘Break The Blade.’

Launching the campaign, Preethi Herman, CEO of Nguvu Collective, explained that efforts to end FGM cannot exist in isolation and that it is collective action.

“Nguvu Collective believes in the power of collective action, and that joining hands with policy makers and civil society partners will elevate and amplify conversations on critical human rights issues that shock the world,” said Preethi.

Bernadette Loloju, Anti-FGM Board CEO, on her part said for the vice to be curbed, it is important to ensure that girls are in school.

Loloju added that another hurdle in the fight is the far spread communities that practice the cut where some are not aware of the existing laws on matters FGM.

“If the girls don’t stay in school, we will lose the next generation. It is the same girls to protect the coming generation, we are happy that in the last ten years the men have joined us in the fight,” stated Loloju.

Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda noted that Kenya has made some strides since now political leaders, especially women, can freely talk about FGM without fear of  losing votes. 

Lesuuda, known for her active role in championing women’s rights, highlighted the long-term impacts of FGM on women’s health and education.

“The impacts and the challenges that those who have gone through it bare, it is inside them, we have to continue to be the agents of ending FGM in our country, small community groups for our girls to be the best they can be in the world,” said Lesuuda.

Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya, who has been intensifying efforts to eliminate FGM, called upon women to come out and speak against FGM and Gender Based Violence to ensure the girl child is protected.

Donya, a passionate advocate for women’s rights, called on men too to come out and discourage women against circumcising their daughters.

“Every cut, every scar, is a violation of a girl's fundamental rights. Every blade broken is a life saved from irreversible trauma,” stated Donya.