Stopping #FGM in Kenya

Written By Jeremiah Keevy

Resian’s Dream in Kenya doing advocacy work.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is one of the most severe violations of human rights affecting girls and women across the world today. Despite decades of progress, millions of girls remain at risk each year. At Resian’s Dream, we are dedicated to breaking this cycle of harm through education, advocacy, cultural empowerment, and community-led solutions.

This article explains what FGM is, why it continues, and how Resian’s Dream is working daily to protect girls and support survivors.

What Is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?

Female Genital Mutilation refers to the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons. It has no health benefits and causes lifelong physical and emotional harm.

FGM is internationally recognized as a human rights abuse and an act of gender-based violence.

The Four Types of FGM

FGM can take several forms, classified by the World Health Organization:

  1. Type I – Clitoridectomy: Partial or total removal of the clitoris.

  2. Type II – Excision: Removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, sometimes the labia majora.

  3. Type III – Infibulation: Narrowing of the vaginal opening through cutting and repositioning the labia.

  4. Type IV – Other Harmful Practices: Includes pricking, piercing, scraping, or cauterizing the genital area.

Every type is harmful, every type is traumatic, and every type violates the dignity and rights of girls and women.

Why Does FGM Continue?

FGM is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, gender norms, and community expectations. It often persists due to:

  • Cultural identity and tradition

  • Pressure to conform within tight-knit communities

  • Misconceptions about purity, honor, or marriageability

  • Patriarchal beliefs surrounding women’s roles

  • Lack of education and awareness

  • Limited access to protection and support

Ending FGM requires education, empathy, and community partnership, not judgment.

The Lifelong Impact of FGM

FGM can cause serious and permanent consequences, including:

Physical Effects

  • Severe pain and bleeding

  • Infection and sepsis

  • Difficult childbirth and obstetric complications

  • Menstrual problems

  • Infertility

  • Sexual dysfunction

  • Increased risk of death

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • Loss of bodily autonomy

  • Shame, fear, and social isolation

The trauma may begin in childhood, but the effects can last a lifetime.

How Resian’s Dream Is Fighting to End FGM

At Resian’s Dream, our mission is built on hope, empowerment, and community-led change. We partner directly with the people most affected: young girls, mothers, elders, and local leaders, to create lasting impact.

Here’s how we are working to break the cycle:

1. Education & Awareness Program

We provide culturally relevant education about:

  • The health risks of FGM

  • Legal protections for girls

  • The rights of women and children

  • The importance of bodily autonomy

  • Alternative rites of passage

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for prevention.

2. Community Engagement & Dialogue

We work with:

  • Parents

  • Traditional leaders

  • Religious leaders

  • Teachers

  • Youth groups

Through open dialogue, we help communities re-examine harmful traditions and embrace new, empowering alternatives.

3. Empowering Girls to Stay in School

Education protects girls. Girls who stay in school longer are significantly less likely to undergo FGM or child marriage. Resian’s Dream supports girls through:

  • Tuition assistance

  • School supplies

  • Mentorship

  • Safe spaces and leadership training

4. Survivor Support & Healing

For survivors, we support pathways to healing through:

  • Counseling and emotional support

  • Safe housing referrals

  • Access to healthcare resources

  • Support groups

  • Empowerment programs

Healing is possible, and survivors are leaders in the movement for change.

5. Advocacy & Protection

We work alongside local and global partners to:

  • Strengthen legal protections

  • Report and prevent at-risk cases

  • Promote policy change

  • Raise global awareness of #FGM

Our advocacy centers girls’ voices and community solutions.

Ending FGM Is Possible; But We Must Act Together

#FGM does not persist because communities are cruel, it persists because traditions are powerful and change requires trust, support, and education.

At Resian’s Dream, we believe in working with communities, not against them.

Together, we can:

  • Protect the next generation

  • Empower women and girls

  • Support survivors

  • Replace harmful traditions with healthy, celebratory rites of passage

  • Build a future where every girl can dream freely

Ending FGM is not only possible: it is already happening where communities are informed, supported, and empowered.

Join the Movement

Learn more, get involved, or support our work at:

👉 resiansdream.org

Together, we can make every girl’s dream — of safety, dignity, and freedom — a reality.

Jeremiah Keevy