Kenya has made significant progress in reducing the prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), with rates dropping from 21% in 2014 to 15% in 2022, according to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. However, young women and girls, especially in marginalized communities, remain at high risk.
Ahead of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM 2025, JHR-Kenya Project Coordinator Benard Ogoi joined end-FGM campaigners in calling for stronger stakeholder collaboration and solidarity. Speaking at a Africa-wide webinar hosted by the Men End FGM network, he emphasized the critical role of the media in shaping public perceptions and narratives. He said, “We must deliberately harness the power of the media to drive conversations that challenge harmful practices and mobilize stakeholders to intensify efforts to end FGM.”
This year’s theme, Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation, aligns with JHR’s ongoing efforts to foster meaningful partnerships in the campaign against FGM. Since 2020, JHR-Kenya has trained and supported over 300 journalists in reporting on human rights issues, including FGM, through a gender-sensitive lens. Additionally, JHR has helped media outlets facilitate on-air discussions with community-led end-FGM campaigners across Kenya.
JHR recognizes that ending FGM requires collective action from all sectors. Highlighting JHR’s commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, Ogoi stressed the need for partnerships between journalists and stakeholders to ensure inclusive reporting. “Journalists must be linked to women directly affected by FGM so they can share their lived experiences. Media reports should hold decision-makers accountable, empower vulnerable communities, and reference legal frameworks,” he added.
In West Pokot County, a combination of on-air discussions and grassroots forums has successfully shifted attitudes, leading some former circumcisers to publicly renounce the practice and advocate for girls’ rights.
The webinar also provided a platform for sharing regional experiences. Faith Nashipae, a gender advocate from Kenya, noted that media coverage of FGM is often event-driven rather than continuous, limiting its impact. Meanwhile, Alpha Kamara, an anti-FGM advocate from Sierra Leone, shared a success story about mobilizing men to participate in media discussions and highlight their role in ending the practice.
JHR remains committed to strengthening media partnerships to drive sustained awareness against FGM, ensuring the protection of vulnerable girls and women across Africa.
