Protect Girls and Prevent Gender Based Violence

Thank you for your support of this project protecting girls from gender based violence. This report comes from Beatrice Wambia, Senior Field Officer with Brighter Communities Worldwide, and shares an update on recognition for our work in this area in conjunction with the annual international campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is recognised as  a form of Gender Based Violence and a violation of human rights. FGM is carried out without the consent of the girl or the woman and it causes physical and psychological harm, FGM is rooted in gender inequality and discrimination and it limits women’s autonomy  and bodily integrity.

As part of prevention and response measures, Brighter Communities Worldwide carries out community awareness and education, empowering girls through education and Life Skills and providing an Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP). This is a 5 day training through which girls gain knowledge which improves self-esteem.  The ARP course includes modules on traditional rites of passage and taboos, bodily changes, menstruation and empowerment amongst other topics and discussions.  

Reuben Koskei, Community Liason officer with Brighter Communities Worldwide, recently attended the official launch of 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence whose theme was Unite to end all forms of violence against women and girls including FGM and child marriage.  Brighter Communities Worldwide was recognised at the event and awarded a certificate for its exemplary work in fighting FGM. Reuben’s sentiments on the award were, “This certificate has been awarded to Brighter Communities Worldwide as a result of its endless efforts to end FGM and all forms of GBV. FGM is causing death and it is also the cause of school dropout among young girls”.

The event was also a platform for the Council of Elders form Kericho and Narok counties to launch the “My Dear Daughter Campaign to End FGM”. The elders are respected people in the society and are joining the fight against FGM by demystifying the cultural motivation for the practice.

Rose ARP facilitator from Samutet village in Ainamoi subcounty says “Many girls have been empowered through the 5 day training on Alternative Rite of Passage. The girls are able to build confidence and make informed decisions. Their self esteem is improved, they are assertive and are able to make sound decisions when faced with day to day challenges. I am happy to report that my girls are now more confident in resisting harmful practices, reporting violence and advocating for their rights”.

Cheptoo, a 9 year old girl from Chemobei village is happy to have received ARP training during her December holidays and she says” thank you  Brighter Communities Worldwide for the training. I learned to say no to FGM and GBV. FGM leads to school dropouts and also bad health. FGM violates human rights and I will stand for my rights as a girl. Asante sana”