Empowering Maasai Girls: Combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya
DURATION:
December 2015 - Ongoing
LOCATION:
Oloitoktok Town, Eastern Kenya
PARTNER:
Maasai Girls Life Time Dream Foundation, Divinity
INTRO:
About 78% of women aged 15 to 49 have undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Maasai tribe in Kenya. Because many FGM operations are privately administered, and the sanitation is often unqualified, women are vulnerable to wound infection, massive bleeding, and HIV infection after surgery.
IMPACT:
Our ongoing partnership with local NGOs and our pioneering role in combating FGM have yielded a significant impact. We have provided support, education, and hope to vulnerable girls, ultimately contributing to the eradication of FGM and the empowerment of Maasai girls in Oloitoktok Town, Eastern Kenya.
◎ Pioneering Anti-FGM Efforts: We are proud to be the first Chinese civil society organization actively engaged in the fight against FGM in Africa. This groundbreaking involvement signifies our dedication to addressing this critical issue.
◎ Rescuing and Supporting Vulnerable Girls: Collaborating with MAGRIAF, we have provided essential support to the Maasai Girls Life Time Dream Foundation, a local NGO committed to rescuing girls threatened by FGM. Through our efforts, we have been able to extend a lifeline to these young girls, offering them refuge from the practice and a chance for a brighter future.
◎ Financial Support: Our commitment goes beyond words. We have donated over USD 15,000 to these centers, demonstrating our tangible support for their initiatives. This financial aid has been instrumental in covering living expenses, tuition fees, and professional development opportunities for the girls we are helping.
◎ China House provides long-term financial support to 5 girls.
◎ Empowering Through Education: Education is a powerful tool for change. We donated 21 laptops to Divinity, enabling them to establish a computer lab. This lab not only facilitates online learning for girls but also serves as a community resource for computer skills training. It empowers girls and community members with valuable skills for the future.
