On April 21, 2016, the Esiteti community hosted their first rally to help spread the news of their commitment to eradicate the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The all-day event, sponsored by
ASK, featured a panel of 15 high profile figures, including the Anti FGM Board Chairperson Hon. Linah Jebi Kilimo, the Project Manager for Amref's Alternative Rite of Passage program Linah Jebi Kilimo and
End FGM Guardian Global Media Campaign Kenyan activists, Jeremiah Kutanya and Mamboleo Kaura.
Amref Health Africa is the largest non-governmental health organization in Africa and is also conducting Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) programs at schools throughout Kenya. This influential organization sent five representatives to speak at the rally.
ASK hopes to support Amref efforts by making available for hire some of the trained youth leaders from Esiteti who are excellent examples of why education is a valuable alternative to FGM and early marriage.
Maasai Cricket Warriors were also in attendance, a prestigious cricket team who have competed at Lord's cricket ground in London. They are now strong advocates for the empowerment of girls and ending FGM. Their documentary,
Maasai Warriors will premier at the UN this year.
Men from Esiteti Help Promote Change
One of the reasons for the success of the Alternative Rite of Passage program at Esiteti was due to the leadership of James Ole Kamete and the willingness from the men to publicly declare their commitment to end FGM. At first the men were leery to break tradition, but after learning the health risks of FGM, they now embrace the change.
Soila, Nelly, Margaret, Elizabeth and Joyce with the Maasai Cricket Warriors
Soila Sayialel Joins the ASK Team to Help Direct Youth Leaders in Their Quest to End FGM
Four youth leaders from the Esiteti community helped to pay it forward as they spread the news about their ARP ceremony, one of the more successful coming of age rituals in Kenya. The model for other Maasai communities is to replace illegal cutting with education and empower the ARP graduates so they can pave the way and make a difference. ASK recently hired Soila Sayialel to orchestrate this pilot rally event, as well as, all future rallies throughout Kajiado County.
On April 21, 2016, the Esiteti community hosted their first rally to help spread the news of their commitment to eradicate the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The all-day event, sponsored by
