Train 120 Health & Human Rights promoters in Kenya

Dear Esteemed Supporters and Cheerleaders,

We are delighted to share with you the outcomes of the male training held at Kitaru. Your steadfast support continues to empower HFAW to reach more communities with critical advocacy on FGM, GBV, and sexual and reproductive health. For far too long, men have been left out of anti-FGM and anti-GBV efforts, despite their key role as decision-makers in families and communities. The Kitaru training engaged 25 men, including the area chief, and brought together leaders from different religious denominations, youth representatives, clan elders, social officers, and men living with disabilities. It was a diverse and inclusive gathering that truly reflected community ownership.

The facilitators began by introducing HFAW’s vision and mission, inspired by our founder’s lived experiences with the harmful practice of FGM. They emphasized that ending FGM and addressing GBV require men’s involvement, as these issues affect the wellbeing of the whole family.

Gladys led a powerful session on FGM, elaborating on its negative impacts on women’s physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. She explained how families are directly affected and why men must play a role in ending the practice. Joyce followed with a discussion on FGM as a major driver of GBV, linking harmful cultural practices with family breakdowns and strained relationships. The training also touched on sexual and reproductive health, highlighting that most men only seek medical checkups when already sick. This was an eye-opener for the participants, who acknowledged the importance of preventive care at least once or twice a year to avoid long-term health complications.

The men engaged in frank and honest conversations, raising real issues they face in their relationships.

• One participant admitted, “I now understand the reason behind my wife’s negative attitude towards sex. I realize I am part of the problem because I don’t prepare her emotionally, and she’s not ready when I demand it. This causes chaos.”
• Another was puzzled as to why his wife seemed ready for intimacy despite being cut, while others raised concerns about premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and hygiene within relationships.
• The facilitators emphasized that sex is not just physical but also psychological, and advised men to adopt healthy practices such as eating nutritious foods, exercising, staying hydrated, avoiding stress, and seeking medical attention when necessary.

The training also revealed deep-seated social issues:

• Some men admitted struggling to support their wives, citing hygiene concerns, while others confessed ignorance about women’s sensitive body parts.
• A church leader confessed that he had not known the full extent of FGM’s impact and vowed to return to his congregation to raise awareness and treat his wife with greater understanding and compassion. More importantly, men committed to fight against FGM in their communities.

By the end of the training, the participants expressed gratitude for the rare opportunity to learn openly about these sensitive topics. They committed to breaking the silence, supporting their wives, and advocating for FGM abandonment in their communities. The area chief praised the initiative and strongly requested that similar trainings be extended to women and youth to create a well-rounded, informed community.

The Kitaru training was another vital step toward building healthier, respectful, and equitable families. We are grateful for your unwavering support, which makes it possible for us to reach communities with such life-changing discussions. Together, we are dismantling harmful cultural practices and paving the way for safer, healthier families.

Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Sincerely,
Doris Kananu
Program Director