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Womankind welcomes Kenya cutting ban

Womankind applauds the government of Kenya for passing a new law banning FGM, and congratulates those who have worked so hard to achieve it.

With a law prohibiting not just the practice of FGM but also paying someone else to do it, taking somebody abroad for it, and even derogatory remarks about women who have not undergone FGM, the Kenyan government has sent a clear message that FGM is not acceptable and that it violates women’s rights.

Passing the law raises the public profile of FGM and gives communities “permission” to openly talk about this issue, which is often regarded as taboo, and find ways of making the law work for women and girls affected.

However, we know from our work in countries that have also already outlawed the practice that legislation is just a foundation on which to build real change and the challenge will be making it a reality for women and girls throughout Kenya.

This will only be possible if the government embraces its responsibility to raise awareness and enforce the new law. Long-term efforts will be required to support communities to fully abandon FGM and law enforcers (police and the judiciary) need to know and understand the new law and be empowered to use it against those who flout the new law in order that women and girls are supported in a meaningful way.

More information

• About Women in Kenya
• About FGM: Religious and Legal Perspectives Conference Report (PDF, 2006)  views and perspectives of religious leaders, scholars and civil society representatives on religious teachings and legal practices on FGM.
• How one of our partners is helping with the implementation of their law on FGM