July-December 1999 Newsletter Page 1: giving, volunteering, defense, altruism, nonprofit, human rights foundation, advocacy, ethics, community, charity, humanity, betterment, organization, committed, defending, dignity, women, worldwide, activists, protest, condemn, actions, individuals, power, abuse, helpless humanity, non-governmental agency, participate, programs, improve, economic, political, future, reaper

________________________________________________________________________ Vol. 5. Issue 3 ------------- Bi-Annual Newsletter --------------- July-December 99

Our Teams Continue Making History in Kenya!

This report is directly from our workers in Kenya.

"One of the greatest moments of challenge in the Female Genital Mutilation project in Kisii has been experienced this three past months.
A serious outbreak of malaria slowed the work initially, however, the delay brought out an excellent working program suitable for the young men.
It is interesting to note that most of the young adults who are involved in the project are supportive of the idea of the abolition of F.G.M. among the girls within their community.

Men and Women participants

     Young inquisitive minds ask as many questions ranging from traditions and culture to the implementation of the practice to their marriage and sexual relationship. What a great joy it was to have such a seminar for the young men where both sides exchange freely seeking knowledge and contributions.
     Teaching on the blood covenants went on in one of the seminars, young men listened in silence, anxiety and fear could be seen on their faces. The realisation that they (Kisii) are extremely violent people because of the demands of the devil for blood looked real as it was narrated to them. This was made even more clear when five of the boys testified of the bloody dreams that they have occasionally. So scary are the dreams and so violent that a lot of blood is always spilt in the dreams.
     The young men needed to know the facts and the origin of F.G.M. only to find out that it was brought in by strangers to their land and therefore a foreign tradition. As future decision makers in their respective homes they wondered why they cannot reverse this trend 'yes, we can' was an unanimous decision made at one of the workshops.

Bring the generations together

On sexual relationship at marriage a free discussion ensued in one of the seminars with young adults expressing themselves freely as to what kind of relationship they would enjoy. Everyone agreed that both husband and wife have the right to enjoy sexual intimacy. Why then should we be party to an exercise that will disadvantage our future wives?! this question generated heated but lively debate with diverse views being expressed. All in all, the young men agreed that it is inhuman and a violation of the women's rights. One young man stood up and said with a sad voice 'my children will never ever go through this thing', a sign of better things for the future generation.

Gusii Men's Meeting

     The young adults who attended the seminar were taken through men's role which they will assume in marriage: e.g. protection, love care, e.t.c. This was crucial for them to visualise how they can change the world around them especially in regard to F.G.M. Speaker after speaker agreed that they lack a lot of knowledge on the side effects and dangers of F.G.M. and that they have embraced totally what the clan elders have told them because that is all they were told.
     Knowledge is power. With increased knowledge men will change traditions because they are the implementers of the same.
     Young men decided to reach out to young adolescent girls through every available means of communication. An 'abolish F.G.M. presume group' was formed among the young men to try and reach out to adolescent girls, other young men and finally the elders in the community. Hand bills, caps, T-shirts, books, posters, commitment cards, sporting activities, drams and songs were among the activities suggested by the young men. Young men agreed that the future depends on the kind of decisions they will make today since they are the future decision makers.
     Major recruitment and mobilisation of young groups is to be undertaken in November and December in the Street, Schools, Social places etc. and a vigilant campaign is to be undertaken. Songs and slogans against the practice have been arranged while the homes of the circumcisors will have vigilant young men who will make a last minute bid to stop the girls from being circumcised."

Take me to page 2 of the July-December 1999 Newsletter

Take me to "A Woman´s Voice" home page