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Originally published by The Standard
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October 2, 2026
3h ago

The cut that divides: Why FGM persists despite campaigns

The cut that divides: Why FGM persists despite campaigns

Despite laws and years of campaigns, FGM persists in some Kenyan communities because it remains deeply tied to cultural identity, family expectations and ideas about adulthood...

✨ Key Highlights

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) continues to be practiced in some Kenyan communities despite ongoing campaigns against it, highlighting the deep cultural roots of the tradition. The debate centers on whether FGM is a rite of passage or a violation of girls' rights and health.

  • The World Health Organisation states FGM has no health benefits and can cause severe complications.
  • Community elders like Steven Mutwiri Mungania of the Njuri Ncheke argue for understanding the practice within its cultural context and suggest it can be performed hygienically.
  • Activists like Walter Odede Nyakwaka of Africa Alive-Kenya chapter emphasize the denial of choice for young girls and the social pressure to conform.
  • Proposed solutions include community dialogue, education, and the involvement of men in changing expectations and developing alternative rites of passage.

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