NAKURU, Kenya — Wendo Aszed, a 34-year-old activist, has been at the forefront of the battle against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) for over a decade, working tirelessly across Nakuru and Baringo Counties to eradicate this harmful practice. Aszed’s dedication to the cause is fueled by firsthand encounters with the adverse effects of FGM on young girls, some as young as nine years old, who are forced into the procedure, child marriages, and premature motherhood.
According to Kenya News Agency, who spoke about her experiences and the initiatives of her organization, Dandelion Africa, the campaign against FGM is multifaceted, targeting elders, youth, women groups, community leaders, and politicians. The aim is to educate these groups on the dangers of FGM and related issues such as child marriage, teenage pregnancies, and HIV/AIDS. Through Dandelion Africa, Aszed has managed to rescue numerous girls from FGM and empower boys to reject harmful gender norms and protect their sisters from undergoing the cut.
The anti-FGM campaign spearheaded by Aszed and her team involves direct community engagement in remote villages, significantly contributing to the reduction of FGM cases not just in Nakuru and Baringo but also in surrounding areas. The initiative stresses the importance of empowering women and girls as a crucial element in the fight against FGM, with education, economic opportunities, and access to healthcare identified as key factors in enabling informed choices about their bodies and futures.
Dandelion Africa has organized alternative rites of passage ceremonies, offering seminars to girls on positive cultural values and encouraging them to reject FGM. Aszed believes that empowered women are more likely to oppose harmful traditions and advocate for their rights, breaking the cycles of poverty and marginalization that perpetuate practices like FGM.
However, the campaign faces significant challenges, including resistance from communities that traditionally practice FGM. Aszed notes that in these communities, it is often taboo even to discuss the subject, let alone use educational models of the female reproductive organs. Despite these obstacles, public forums, radio talk shows, and engagement with religious institutions have helped reach a wider audience, particularly men who influence cultural practices.
The organization has trained over 30 individuals as Trainers of Trainers for the anti-FGM crusade, who then engage various community and campus dialogues. These efforts aim to change perceptions among young boys and the broader community about FGM, recognizing it as a human rights violation with no medical benefits and severe consequences, including health complications, psychological trauma, and even death.
Despite the slow progress and ongoing challenges, Aszed is optimistic, citing recent data from the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) showing a decline in FGM prevalence. The fight against FGM is also supported by legal frameworks, including the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, which criminalizes FGM and related practices.
Aszed and her team continue to work tirelessly, advocating for the end of FGM and promoting the empowerment of girls and women, while also navigating the complexities of cultural traditions and legal enforcement. Their efforts are a testament to the resilience and dedication required to combat FGM and protect the rights and well-being of women and girls in Kenya and beyond.
KAKUMA, Kenya — Anisa Abdullahi Muhumed, a Somali-born Kenyan refugee, has emerged as a symbol of hope and determination, overcoming the odds to excel in her secondary education. Anisa, 18, has been recognized as the top female refugee student in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), achieving an impressive B+ grade.
According to Kenya News Agency, her journey was fueled by a promise to her mother to break the cycle of poverty that had beset their family. This drive led her to not only excel academically but also to give back to her community by volunteering at her former school, Lifeworks Tumaini Girls. Here, she teaches English to students and serves as the executive secretary to the principal, Ms. Josephine Nguta.
Anisa’s academic journey began with ambition. Upon joining Lifeworks Tumaini Girls in January 2019, she inquired about the highest grade ever achieved at the school and vowed to surpass it. Her prediction came true as she set a new record, not just for her school but also as the best girl in Turkana West Constituency, outperforming over 300,000 KCSE candidates.
Supported by the Jesuit Refugee Council Scholarship and under the auspices of UNHCR, Anisa defied the challenges of life in a refugee camp, including societal norms that often prioritize boys over girls and view education for girls as unnecessary. She credits her success to the encouragement of her mentor, the unwavering support of her teachers, and the resilience instilled by her mother, who worked tirelessly to support her educational journey despite financial constraints and personal sacrifices.
Anisa’s former teacher and current principal, Ms. Josephine Nguta, praised her discipline, humility, dedication, and selfless commitment to improving the lives of others. Despite the adversities stemming from her parents’ divorce, tribal clashes, and the insecurity that led her family to flee to Kenya in 2005, Anisa has remained focused on her goal of becoming a doctor.
Anisa’s story is not just one of personal triumph but also a testament to the transformative power of education. Her achievements have brought joy and pride to her family, school, and the wider refugee community, inspiring many to pursue their dreams despite challenging circumstances.
As Anisa looks forward to her future, she remains hopeful about securing a place at a university to study medicine, despite the uncertainties that lie ahead. Her story underscores the importance of determination, self-discipline, and effective communication in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.