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