Batting FGM out of Kenya
This project's parent organization is Cricket Without Boundaries
It operates in Kenya
It uses Cricket
Entered the Best New Project
More about Batting FGM out of Kenya
Using Cricket as an analogy, FGM messages were integrated into the delivery sessions. The BAT Acronym: B – Break the silence, A – Advocate for change, T – Team Together, reinforced both the cricket and FGM messages. The project focused on addressing gender equality and FGM in Laikipia, Kenya. Research by 28 Too Many estimates the prevalence of FGM in girls and women in Kenya (15-49 years) is 27.1% (DHS 2008-09). However amongst the Maasai community this figure rises to 73%, despite the practice being illegal. Most Maasai girls are cut between the ages of 8 and 12.
FGM has devastating and lifelong health implications for the girls and women who undergo it and it also adversely affects wider community development. The practice is deep rooted in the culture; it is regarded as a rite of passage and it is closely linked to child marriage. Those standing against FGM can face hostility and social exclusion.