When Peninah was a young girl, she was told that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was celebrated as a rite of passage to becoming a woman. FGM is a practice that involves cutting, injuring, or removing healthy female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is a deeply rooted cultural practice in some communities and interferes with the natural functions of the body.

At age 12, when Peninah got the ‘cut’ herself and after enduring the painful trauma, she was told she was now a woman. Soon after, she was married and had four children, never questioning the role of FGM in her community.

Peninah’s perspective shifted when her daughter was sponsored through World Vision’s Child Sponsorship Programme. Through the Programme, Peninah realised the damaging effects of FGM on girls' well-being and became convinced that these traditional practices should be stopped.

Empowered by her newfound awareness, Peninah decided to challenge traditions. She became a community health volunteer and began advocating against FGM and child marriage. Together with World Vision, she engaged community leaders and organised informative sessions at local schools, raising awareness about the dangers of these harmful practices.

Peninah (in white) also leads the fight against child marriage by educating girls.

Her tireless efforts also ignited a movement to protect girls' rights. Peninah educated girls on how they can stand up to FGM by reporting cases to the authorities, becoming a trusted friend and advocate for the girls in her community.

 

Because of Peninah’s bravery and efforts, 12-year-old Lente was saved from experiencing the same trauma Peninah did. After sessions with Peninah, Lente learned about her rights and now has a safe place to turn to if things go wrong. Lente has also understood how FGM can harm her and is able to go to school to pursue her dreams. “FGM frightens me. I am so afraid of it and early marriage as they would not benefit me at all,” says Lente.

Lente aspires to be a judge as she will be in a position to make rules.

Breaking the silence and challenging traditions takes time, but Peninah has courageously taken the first step, saving girls like Lente from the consequences of FGM. Join Peninah and Lente in the fight for girls’ rights by sponsoring a girl by 11 October, International Day of the Girl.