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Arts & Communication Documentary to support #EndFGM in Kenya

Type 3: Furthermore, known as infibulation, this is FGM has been illegal in Kenya since 2010; in 2011, the
the narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating government established the Anti-Female Mutilation Board
a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and (AFMB). The AFMB provides services to victims and has
repositioning the labia minora or labia majora, undertaken public education programs to warn of the
sometimes through stitching, with or without removal dangers of FGM. The board works at all levels from national
of the clitoral prepuce/clitoral hood and glans. to local, alongside the United Nations, international
Type 4: This comprises all other harmful procedures to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local
the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, such as organizations. The Kenyan government has also provided
pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterizing financial alternatives for professional circumcisers, whose
the genital area. 1 only source of income may otherwise be the cutting of girls
The negative consequences of FGM are well- as part of Maasai traditions.
documented, including multiple infections that can lead In contrast, the context of FGM in The Gambia is very
to infertility. Women who have undergone FGM often different. In The Gambia, an estimated 75% of women
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experience difficult births and can tearing where the scar have undergone FGM, and most undergo it before they
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tissue around the perineum is unable to stretch. Moreover, turn 15. The decision to undertake FGM is largely based
immediate complications after FGM include severe pain on the ethnic group. For example, nearly all Mandinka,
and shock, which often have long-term psychological Sarahule, and Fula women have undergone FGM, while
consequences. FGM does not exist in isolation from other Christians, some Jola, and most Wolof women have not.
harmful cultural practices. Rather, it is part of a cultural In The Gambia, it is usually the mother or grandmother
mindset. It is usually seen as a way of controlling a woman’s who decides whether and at what age a girl is to undergo
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sexuality. However, the actual beliefs and practices around FGM. Interestingly, if the girl is spared from FGM, the
FGM are often complex and nuanced and differ from father is more likely to have been involved in the decision-
country to country as well as within different communities. making process. FGM became illegal in The Gambia in
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In Kenya, as of October 2024, 14.8% of women have 2016. However, one similarity between FGM practices in
undergone FGM. In the Maasai community, girls typically the Gambia and Kenya is that making FGM illegal has not
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undergo FGM in preparation for marriage (Figure 1). This put an end to the practice.
commonly takes place after puberty, and girls as young
as 10 years old can be considered suitable for marriage. 2. Methodology
The family of the bride receives a bride price, often in The hypothesis for this paper is that the methodology for
the form of cows, as part of the marriage contract. In this creating an effective film to support the Kenyan #EndFGM
regard, a girl who has undergone FGM is considered to campaign will be similar to a previous approach taken in
be worth more than one who has not; therefore, financial The Gambia. That is, the film must be country-specific,
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considerations are one of the main motivations for FGM it must show the practices and traditions related to FGM
within the Maasai community. that are relevant to that country, and it must include a
variety of opinions from influential persons within the
national community. The filmmaking process also must
be participatory and the contents should be determined
through consultation with local #EndFGM activists. The
film should be produced to a standard commensurate
with materials shown on national television to ensure
maximum reach and impact with the local audience. It
should be engaging and appeal to the audience’s emotions
as well as their minds.
However, the content of the films must also be different
because the practices and contexts of FGM vary from
country to country, and the #EndFGM campaigns in those
countries are at different stages. In The Gambia, where
FGM became illegal in 2016, FGM is still very controversial
and many still actively and loudly support the practice. As
Figure 1. Sintoi Lekurende, a professional circumciser, holding the blade a result, My FGM Story (2020) was an introduction to new
she uses to perform FGM. Adapted from. Copyright © 2022 Author. ideas. Meanwhile, In Kenya, FGM has been illegal since
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Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 2 doi: 10.36922/ac.3725