AMREF in collaboration with various Community-Based Organizations (CBO) in Kajiado County have organized Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) for girls in the region.
Girls in Kajiado North sub county received the alternative rite of passage as part of efforts to curb Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice in the region.
Moreover, a CBO in Kajiado North known as A Pack A Month, participated in the celebrations, as the country joins the world in celebrating International Day for Zero Tolerance of FGM.
Founder of A Pack A Month Jackline Saleiyan, said that the alternative rite of passage envisions a continent free of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C).
“We want a continent where girls are empowered to continue their education and become the women of their dreams,” she said.
As such, she noted that the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) is an innovative community-driven approach to eliminate FGM.
Also Read: Anti-FGM Teams in Kenya and Uganda Concerned Over Rising Cases
“The community is encouraged to celebrate the transition of the girl to adolescent through the impartation of education and wisdom in place of the cut,” she said.
Nonetheless, AMFREF graduands undertook a three-day camp, learning about Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHRs), Life Skills, effects of FGM, Early Child Forced Marriage, teenage Pregnancy, cultural norms, and the value of the girl child’s education.
Jackline Saleiyan further stated that A Pack A Month organization, which works to end period poverty in their area, celebrated the AMREF graduates by supporting them with sanitary towels and Menstrual Health Management talks.
