The elders fighting FGM in Kenya: 'It robs women of their dignity' – in pictures

NGO Plan International is supporting community leaders in helping to eradicate female genital mutilation across Africa. In Kenya, the initiative is being supported by the Njuri-Ncheke elders, traditional leaders of the Ameru community who are responsible for passing on community knowledge across the generations. Here they explain why they are joining the fight against FGM

Armstrong Too

Main image: Kenyan elders Photograph: Armstrong Too/Plan International

  • ‘FGM is no longer relevant for any woman or girl. Education is all our girls need in this life,’ Mzee Irumbi.
    Kenyan elder

  • ‘FGM is an illegal practice and must be eradicated at all costs. That’s the reason I am an agent of change against the vice,’ Mzee Thaara.
    Kenyan elder

  • ‘I fight FGM because it robs women of their dignity and self-esteem,’ Mzee Mwamba.
    Kenyan elder

  • ‘I work with Plan International in this project because I want FGM to come to an end to enable all our girls to go through education,’ Mzee Rimunya.
    Kenyan elder

  • ‘I am a strong child protection agent and I campaign against FGM because it is a violation of girls’ rights,’ Mzee Mutegi.
    Kenyan elder

  • ‘I am an agent of change against FGM because it is violence against women and girls,’ Mzee Kamunde.
    Kenyan elder

  • ‘I am in the fight against FGM because I have tasted the fruits of girl child education through my daughters and I want to pass this message to those who still practice FGM in Tharaka,’ Mzee Mati.
    Kenyan elder

  • ‘I fight FGM because it affects a girl’s education,’ Mzee Matende.
    Kenyan elder

  • ‘I work with Plan International in ending FGM because I want the generations to learn in an FGM-free environment,’ Mzee Mwathi.
    Kenyan elder

  • ‘FGM is an outdated cultural practice. As a custodian of the Tharaka culture, I support eradication of the vice because it is dragging my community backwards in development,’ Mzee Mutugi.
    Kenyan elder
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