COMBATING FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

One of the primary reasons we founded the Komolion Human Development Fund was to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice that was extremely common in Komolion and the surrounding communities. The steps we have taken over the past two decades to confront FGM, such as community education and alternative rite of passage ceremonies, have proven quite successful. As of 2026, there have been no reported cases of FGM being practiced in the Komolion community, and a dramatic decrease in the practice in surrounding communities. Recent interviews with community members suggest a negative view of the practice among both men and women. Many claim that FGM is generally no longer seen as a prerequisite for a woman to be eligible for marriage.

Combating FGM continues to be one of our top priorities, as we seek the complete and permeant eradication of the practice throughout Komolion and the broader East Baringo community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Female Genital Mutilation?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a cultural custom practiced by some groups in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia. The custom goes back hundreds of years. Though it is not officially sanctioned by any sacred text, the ritual is practiced by numerous religious groups, including Christians and Muslims.

What happens during the FGM ritual?

Girls (infants – 15) are held down while part of their genitalia are cut off, without sanitation or painkillers. At a minimum the clitoris is removed. In some cultures the entire genital area is cut off and sewn up, leaving only a small hole for urination and menstruation.

Who performs the ritual?

A community has a ritual practitioner, usually an older woman, who performs the cutting with a razor or other sharp instrument on several children in one ceremony.

Why does this happen?

The purpose is to control female sexuality to guarantee virginity before marriage and fidelity after marriage. Regardless of age, a girl must be cut before she is eligible for marriage.

What are the consequences?

FGM causes psychological and physical trauma, excessive bleeding which is sometimes fatal, infection, PTSD, depression, fistulas, extreme pain in intercourse and death in childbirth. The World Health Organization has declared the practice a human rights violation and abuse of children.

Is FGM legal?

Legal progress has been made in recent years, as Kenya and other countries have made FGM an illegal practice along with marriage before the age of 18. However, enforcement is near impossible in remote areas like Komolion. Yet even recently in Nairobi, the largest and capital city of Kenya, a girl of 10 was rescued in the middle of a marriage ceremony.

How can we move communities toward change?

Research has demonstrated that the most effective way to reduce FGM in a community is an alternative rite of passage. This new ritual must be planned and carried out by the community itself. It also must be recognized as a valid mode of transition to womanhood by the potential husbands of the community. This is the approach we use in Komolion, in East Pokot, Kenya. In 2016, 45 young women went through this ceremony. A second ceremony was held in 2017, and a third in 2019. We continue to hold these ceremonies every few years as more women come of age in the Komolion comunity.