From Pain to Pride: Kuria’s Journey to End Female Circumcision and Embrace New Traditions
For generations, the girls of this community underwent female circumcision as a painful rite of passage, deeply ingrained in cultural traditions.
An image showing the victims of FGM. Photo/EEAS.
By Rahab Gati
In the heart of Kuria, a transformation once thought impossible has taken root.
For generations, the girls of this community underwent female genital mutiation [FGM] as a painful rite of passage, deeply ingrained in cultural traditions.
But today, the winds of change have ushered in a new era, where girls can transition into womanhood without enduring harm.
The movement began with whispers among a few courageous women who had long questioned the practice but were silenced by tradition.
Among them was Agnes Wantori, a respected clan elder whose personal experiences fueled her resolve.
Having seen the suffering caused by circumcision in her family, Agnes vowed to end the cycle with her granddaughters.
Her determination grew stronger as she learned of the severe health risks, including infections, childbirth complications, and lasting emotional trauma.
With the support of local women’s rights organizations and Msichana Empowerment, Agnes began her campaign quietly, speaking to village women one by one.
As more women joined the cause, the movement gained momentum. Secret meetings were held to strategize and avoid opposition from elders who staunchly defended the tradition.
A turning point came when Dr. Ann Mogesi, a well-respected local doctor, held a public meeting to educate the community.
Using diagrams and real-life testimonies, she exposed the devastating effects of circumcision and highlighted the benefits of ending the practice.
Among those in attendance was Mzee Nyageteya, a community leader and former supporter of circumcision.
Confronted with evidence and moved by the women’s heartfelt pleas, he began to reconsider his stance, recalling how he had once lost a daughter to complications from the procedure.
The real breakthrough came with the introduction of alternative rites of passage.
Led by Agnes, Dr. Ann, and other community leaders, the new ceremonies preserved Kuria’s cultural identity while protecting girls from harm.
The celebrations included storytelling, songs, and wisdom shared by elderly women, symbolizing the transition from girlhood to womanhood without physical suffering.
Change didn’t come overnight. Some families resisted, secretly sending their daughters to other villages for circumcision. But over time, the tide turned.
By 2024, the harmful practice had largely disappeared, replaced by the alternative ceremonies embraced by the entire community.
Sitting by the fire surrounded by her daughters and granddaughters, Agnes Wantori reflected on the journey.
“The fight was hard, but it was worth every step,” she said, watching the younger generation laugh and sing under the moonlit sky.
In Kuria, a new tradition has been born—one rooted in dignity, strength, and hope for the future.
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