End Female Genital Mutilation in 9 schools, Kenya

Dear Esteemed Partners,

On our recent visit to Magura Secondary School in Nyamira County, the HFAW team engaged learners in a powerful advocacy session on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and its connection to early teenage pregnancy. Magura Secondary has a student population of 302 learners—144 girls and 141 boys—supported by 14 teachers (8 male and 6 female) and two non-teaching staff.

The school administration warmly welcomed the HFAW team, acknowledging the importance of addressing these pressing issues affecting the learners. The session aimed to create awareness on FGM, teenage pregnancy, and ways of protecting oneself from abuse.

Learners were eager to participate, openly sharing their thoughts on what drives teenage pregnancy in their community. Their insights revealed both honesty and courage:

• “Most of these pregnancies happen because parents don’t guide their children anymore,” said Linda, not her real name.
• Yvonne, not her real name, added: “Technology has made things worse. Many students watch pornographic videos, and this makes them want to try out what they see.”
• “Peer pressure and poverty are the biggest reasons girls fall into trouble,” explained Silvia, not her real name.
• Job, not his real name, remarked, “Some of us engage in it simply due to just—without even thinking about the consequences.”
• “Girls are deceived by men who give them money or things they don’t have, and in return they are forced into sex,” observed Joan, not her real name.
• “Peer influence is very strong. Sometimes you just copy what your friends are doing,” noted Lucas, not his real name.
• Gabriel, not his real name, said: “Drugs also push many of us into wrong decisions.”
• “For some, it’s because education opportunities are limited. Without hope, they turn to relationships early,” shared Emmanuel, not his real name.
• Finally, Dinnah, not her real name, highlighted the role of culture: “After FGM, girls are told they are now big girls who can get married. That’s why many end up pregnant.”

These candid contributions revealed the learners’ deep awareness of the factors fueling teenage pregnancies and harmful practices like FGM in their communities. The discussions also showed that young people are willing to speak out and seek solutions when given the right platform.

The HFAW team emphasized that FGM is a form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), reinforcing to the learners that the practice robs girls of their rights, dignity, and health. They were encouraged to reject harmful traditions, protect themselves from abuse, and spread awareness among their peers.

By the end of the session, the students expressed a strong commitment to becoming agents of change within their school and community. They acknowledged the need for more involvement of parents and community leaders, echoing the message that ending FGM and reducing teenage pregnancies requires collective effort.

We sincerely thank our partners and supporters for enabling us to reach Magura Secondary School. Your continued support makes it possible for us to empower learners with life-changing knowledge, equip them to resist harmful practices, and build safer environments for both girls and boys. Together, we remain steadfast in the fight against FGM and teenage pregnancy.

With warm regards,
Doris Kananu Muthengi
Program Director

Dear Esteemed Partners,

On our recent visit to Kea Mixed Secondary School in Nyamira County, the HFAW team engaged learners in a critical discussion on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and its link to early teenage pregnancy. Kea Secondary has a student population of 500, comprising 280 girls and 220 boys, with 25 teachers—15 female and 10 male. This advocacy session aimed to dispel harmful myths, educate students on the dangers of FGM, and empower them to stand against it.

The session began with an introduction from the school administration, welcoming HFAW and acknowledging the importance of addressing these pressing issues. The team then took the learners through a detailed discussion on how FGM is a form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and how it contributes to teenage pregnancies. The learners were highly receptive, demonstrating a willingness to learn and engage in open conversations.

One of the most impactful moments of the session came when Nyaboke, not her real name, a Grade 11 student, voiced her realization: “You’ve explained everything in such a clear way. Now I understand that what our parents told us about FGM controlling sexual urges is a lie. From today, I will never allow this act to happen in my presence. Someone will go to jail for it.” Her words reflected a deep transformation in her understanding of the practice and its consequences.

Shadrach, not his real name, was particularly moved by the images presented during the session, showing the medical complications associated with FGM. “Those pictures are terrifying, especially the one showing a keloid scar. Do our parents even know that something like this can happen? I feel sorry for our girls. From today, we will protect you,” he declared, expressing a newfound sense of responsibility toward his female peers.

HFAW staff informed the students that efforts to engage parents—both men and women—as well as community leaders are already part of our broader strategy. These conversations are not limited to schools; we are actively organizing forums within communities to ensure parents and guardians receive the same vital information their children are learning. By involving entire households, we aim to foster a unified stand against FGM. Additionally, mentorship programs are being rolled out to provide students with continued support, enabling them to become champions of change within their own environments.

For some students, the session changed their long-held beliefs about FGM. Sibia, not her real name, admitted that she had once eagerly awaited undergoing the practice, thinking it was an important rite of passage. “I used to beg my mum to allow me to be cut because of the gifts our elders received. But today, I have learned that FGM is GBV, and I no longer want anything to do with it,” she confessed.

Ben, not his real name, added his perspective, explaining how FGM influences teenage pregnancies. “The way these girls change after undergoing FGM is noticeable—their walking, their talking, their entire behavior shifts. I agree with you now that what they are taught during the process makes them more likely to get pregnant early.”

One of the most insightful contributions came from Josiah, not his real name, who pointed out that advocacy should not stop with the students. “Our visitors, what you need to do now is speak to our parents. Show them these pictures and help them understand the dangers of FGM. Some of them might not even realize what they are doing to their daughters.”

By the end of the session, it was evident that the learners had undergone a significant transformation in their understanding of FGM and its consequences. They expressed their commitment to spreading awareness and standing against the practice. Many students also agreed that involving parents in future discussions would be essential in changing community perceptions and ending FGM for good.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all our partners and supporters who make this work possible. Your unwavering commitment enables us to reach vulnerable communities and equip young learners with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their peers. Together, we will continue to fight against FGM and promote gender equality in all spaces.

With warm regards,
Doris Kananu Muthengi
Program Director.