A Painful Rite of Passage or a Violation of Human Rights? Bernadette Loloju’s harrowing journey from survivor to advocate challenges us to confront the deeply entrenched practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). But here's where it gets controversial—while some view FGM as a cultural tradition, others, like Loloju, see it as a brutal act that robs girls of their health, dignity, and future. Her story is not just a testament to resilience but a call to action that demands our attention.
As the CEO of Kenya’s Anti-FGM Board, Loloju shares a deeply personal account of her own experience with FGM, performed by a retired nurse known as ‘Shosho.’ In her village, this practice was normalized, seen as an inevitable part of growing up. ‘It was the norm,’ she recalls, a chilling reminder of how harmful traditions can be disguised as cultural heritage. But this is the part most people miss—the long-term physical and emotional scars that FGM leaves behind, scars that Loloju only fully understood years later, during childbirth.
Her sister’s severe bleeding and anemia, dismissed as ‘normal’ by the community, highlight the dangerous misconceptions surrounding FGM. Loloju’s realization of the harm inflicted on her body became her turning point, fueling her mission to protect other girls from the same fate. Today, she leads the charge against FGM, working tirelessly to educate communities and advocate for change. Yet, progress is slow, and she emphasizes the need for global support from partners like UNFPA and FCDO.
But is education enough? While institutions like Egerton University have trained nearly 700 students since 2022, and healthcare facilities in Narok have strengthened their response systems, the question remains: Can we truly eradicate FGM without addressing the cultural beliefs that sustain it? Dr. Alice Maranga, once an advocate for ‘medicalized FGM,’ now admits its dangers, proving that even experts can be misled by the guise of safety.
Innovative community engagement, such as ‘nyama choma’ dialogues with young men in Narok, shows promise in shifting attitudes. But here’s the bold question: Are we doing enough to challenge the root causes of FGM, or are we merely scratching the surface? Loloju’s story reminds us that ending FGM requires more than policies—it demands courage, compassion, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
As we reflect on her journey, let’s ask ourselves: What role can each of us play in this fight? Do we have the courage to question traditions that harm? And most importantly, will we stand with Loloju in her mission to ensure that no girl ever endures what she did? The future of countless girls depends on our answer.
