Abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) entails the collective, voluntary decision by a community to stop the practice, driven by an understanding of its harmful physical and psychological consequences rather than solely by legal prohibition. It involves shifting social norms, changing cultural traditions, and empowering women and girls to take control of their sexual and reproductive health.
Oltoilo Le Maa has carried out several campaigns in Ilkerin Loita to educate the community to have a mental shift in this retrogressive practice.
Why Abandonment is Crucial
FGM causes immediate, devastating health effects (severe pain, bleeding, infection, death) and long-term consequences (chronic pain, childbirth complications, psychological trauma). Abandonment aims to protect girls from these harms.