On the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), World Vision Kenya (WVK) is urging immediate and collective action to put an end to this harmful practice that impacts millions of girls around the globe. This year’s theme, “Step Up the Pace,” emphasizes the need for intensified efforts to eradicate FGM and safeguard the rights of vulnerable girls.
Worldwide, around 3 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM each year, with over 200 million women and girls currently living with its devastating consequences. In Kenya, 21% of women aged 15–49 have experienced FGM, with even higher rates in areas like Northeastern and Rift Valley, where up to 90% of women have been affected. Disturbingly, 60% of girls are subjected to cutting before the age of 5, and 80% by age 15, highlighting the urgent need for child protection.
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World Vision Kenya has been leading the charge against FGM through community-driven initiatives. These efforts have empowered girls, involved men, and boys as allies, and transformed harmful traditions into opportunities for development. Notable achievements include educating over 190,000 people about the risks of FGM, safely transitioning 3,662 girls through Alternative Rites of Passage (ARP), and rescuing more than 1,200 girls at risk of FGM, helping them enroll in schools for a brighter future.
In a call to action, Gilbert Kamanga, National Director of WVK, stressed that ending FGM requires more than just legislation—it demands a change in societal attitudes and behaviors. WVK calls on governments to enhance legal frameworks, communities to reject FGM, and donors to support grassroots initiatives for sustainable change. “Every girl deserves safety, education, and the opportunity to lead,” Kamanga stated. Together, we can make FGM a relic of the past.
