“Now I know the ills of FGM and I don’t want it in my community”

Marisa is a mother of seven boys and one girl. She used to assist during Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) procedures but, since attending Federation of Women Lawyers  – Kenya (FIDA Kenya’s) training sessions on combating FGM, her life has changed. Now she makes a living from Maasai beading work.

“I would hold a girl’s legs open as the cutter performed circumcision. I ensured everything was clean, so the girls wouldn’t get infected. My mother taught me how to do it when I was 15, I inherited the job from her. I had a great income, 3000 Kenyan shillings ($30) per girl. I loved the money – it was the best paid job I’ve ever had. I was doing it for 20 years, feeling proud of it within the community. I didn’t feel any shame.

I stopped performing FGM because the government created a law against it and I could get arrested. The younger generation threatened to go to the police if anyone still practised.

I found out about FIDA Kenya through a friend. The training provided by them made me realise that there is nothing to be gained from FGM – it causes early marriages and girls dropping out of school. Thanks to FIDA, girls know their rights so they can get an education and live independently.

Now I know the ills of FGM and I don’t want it in my community. I am teaching Maasai girls to reject FGM and embrace education. I often experience violence from their parents who want to continue the tradition. For me, it doesn’t matter if they abuse me, as long as I can pass my message further.

Meeting FIDA Kenya changed my life.  When I complete the training, I will be able to join their support system and group therapy. My only daughter hasn’t had FGM and I will not let it happen. I want her to study, I want her to be economically empowered and have a bright future.”