On 10 December, International Human Rights Day, we came together to reaffirm that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It is a form of child abuse with lifelong physical and psychological consequences, denying women and girls their right to health, dignity, and equality.
To mark the day, the Africa Coordinating Centre for the Abandonment of FGM (ACCAF), through The Girl Generation–ALM, convened a knowledge-sharing and exchange event highlighting the critical role of the health sector in preventing FGM and responding to its consequences. The discussion was especially timely, as Kenya is one of the countries experiencing a rise in the medicalisation of FGM; a dangerous trend that falsely legitimises FGM when performed by health professionals.
In her opening remarks, Ms Diana Dalton, Deputy High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Kenya, reaffirmed the UK Government’s commitment to ending all forms of violence against women and girls. “Internationally, we champion systemic change. We continue to invest in programmes that protect women and girls. Our work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, because gender equality is a prerequisite for economic growth and sustainable development.”
She further emphasised the importance of partnerships in driving impact; “Our collaboration with ACCAF through The Girl Generation integrates FGM prevention and response into the healthcare system. This is not just a local success, but a blueprint for scaling innovative approaches.”
The urgency of strengthening health worker capacity was reinforced by Prof. Kimani, who reflected on gaps identified through earlier research. “Research conducted in 2018 showed that FGM training in medical schools lasted only two hours, far too little to support effective prevention and care. We are also seeing a rise in the medicalisation of FGM, which goes against the fundamental principle of ‘Do No Harm.’”
In response, ACCAF developed a comprehensive curriculum that is now being used to train medical students and health professionals in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somaliland, and Senegal, equipping them to prevent FGM and provide survivor-centred care.
The lived realities behind medicalised FGM were powerfully shared by Madam Loloju, CEO of Kenya’s Anti-FGM Board, who recounted her own experience of being subjected to FGM at the age of 13.
“Barely 13, I was subjected to FGM by a retired nurse. In my community, it was considered normal; my grandmother believed every girl had to go through it. That night, we watched the nurse boil the tools to sterilize them. Back then, unlike now, sterilisation of medical tools was done through boiling. As a result of FGM, my sister became anaemic from complications. The trauma stayed with us.”
Her story underscored why transforming health systems and attitudes among health workers is critical.
Dr Alice Maranga, Senior Lecturer at Egerton University and an End FGM Champion echoed the power of training to change beliefs. “I used to believe that FGM performed in a health facility was safe, that it was a more ‘modest’ way of doing it.” She added, “This training changed me. It transformed my beliefs, and I now know that medicalised FGM is not a safer form at all.”
Since 2022, nearly 700 students at Egerton University, Faculty of Health, have been trained on ending FGM. Students are now equipped with strong knowledge and advocacy skills, using their voices to inspire their generation to abandon this form of violence. There is also growing demand within the university for a multi-disciplinary approach to ending FGM, demonstrating how deeply this work is taking root.
In 2024, ACCAF, through The Girl Generation Programme and in partnership with the Narok County Government, established a Model Health Facility at Nairegie Enkare Level IV Hospital in Narok East. This first-of-its-kind facility in Africa integrates FGM prevention and care into routine service delivery points, ensuring women and girls at risk, or living with FGM-related complications, can access quality, respectful care. Through integrated outreach services, the facility has expanded access to sexual and reproductive health services for marginalised women and girls, including those in hard-to-reach areas and those living with disabilities.
The impact of this approach is reflected in the experience of Omollo Fidel, a Nurse Intern at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Kenya, and a graduate of the University of Nairobi. “I received my end FGM training in 2024 while studying at the University of Nairobi. We learned about FGM, its management, and the legal framework.”
He shared how this learning translated into practice: “I later interned at the Narok Model Facility, where I gained hands-on experience in the skills lab and worked closely with Community Health Promoters to educate communities on FGM. I’m proud that we now have a training manual for Community Health Promoters (CHPs), a major milestone in efforts to end FGM, as CHPs are in contact with communities on a day-to-day basis. With this training, I’ve been able to apply my knowledge at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, where I continue to provide care, support, and contribute to data collection.”
Progress at the Narok Model Health Facility continues to grow. Moses Maemba, a nurse at Nairagie Enkare Level 4 Hospital, shared key achievements from the facility’s work.
- Most healthcare professionals at the facility have now been trained, reporting tools have been strengthened, and clear referral mechanisms are in place for cases requiring specialised care.
- Trained staff are mentoring colleagues and students at service delivery points, and health talks are now offered across all services.
“These efforts are delivering tangible results, including increased uptake of services, particularly skilled deliveries, and improved identification and referral of complex cases such as fistula. Creative community engagement approaches, including ‘nyama choma’ dialogues with young men, are also helping to shift beliefs and attitudes around FGM.” He added.
As we marked International Human Rights Day, the message was clear; progress is possible when health systems are equipped to protect, not harm. With continued support from the government, The Girl Generation, UNFPA, FCDO, and development partners, this proven curriculum can be scaled further, changing the story for the next generation of girls and ensuring their rights, dignity, and futures are fully protected.
Watch ACCAF videos here:
