Kuria, Kenya – In a significant development in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Kuria region of Kenya, a Belgium journalist’s initiative has been making a profound impact. Annemie Struyf, who arrived in Kenya in 2013 to document FGM cases for a Belgium television station, has since been instrumental in changing the lives of many FGM escapees through the Hope For Girls Programme.
According to Kenya News Agency, her encounter with the girls who courageously fled from FGM a decade ago deeply moved her, leading her to establish the Hope For Girls Programme. This initiative partners with a local rescue center, Visa Academy, located in Kuria East Sub County, to provide sanctuary and educational scholarships for young girls escaping FGM. These efforts aim not only to shield the girls from FGM and forced early marriages but also to empower them through education.
The progress witnessed over the years is remarkable. Struyf, on her return after ten years, expressed joy in seeing the transformation in the lives of those she helped. Many of these girls have pursued successful careers in various fields, including medicine and education, thanks to the opportunities provided by the programme.
Colastica Chacha, a doctor and a former beneficiary of the programme, spoke about how the scholarship changed her life, enabling her to become a medical professional. Similarly, Elizabeth Ghati, a current university student and programme beneficiary, emphasized the importance of education over harmful cultural practices like FGM.
Tobias Chacha, the Director of Visa Academy and the Hope for Girls programme, highlighted the growth of the initiative. Starting with just 15 girls, the program now supports over 500, demonstrating a significant shift in community attitudes towards education and the rejection of FGM. Parents who once hesitated to send their daughters to the center, fearing stigmatization, are now witnessing the benefits of education.
This story stands as a testament to the power of education and the positive change that committed individuals and initiatives can bring about in the fight against harmful cultural practices and gender inequality.