admin | September 12, 2024
News Brief
Naomy Kolian’s story is one of pain and resilience. The mother of five grew up in Empash village, Suswa, Narok County—about 62 miles northwest of Nairobi. Subjected to female genital mutilation, or FGM, at 14, she endured severe physical and emotional trauma. Despite this, Mrs. Kolian excelled academically and became a fierce advocate against FGM. As the founder of Eselenge Engayion, she empowers youth and provides safe spaces for girls fleeing mutilation. Her work, supported by organizations like The Girl Generation-Support to the Africa-Led Movement, aims to eradicate FGM by 2030.
In Empash village, Suswa, Narok County—about 62 miles northwest of Nairobi, Kenya—Naomy Kolian’s story unfolds like a gripping saga of pain, resilience, and determination. Empash is rich in Maasai culture and traditions, but that masks the harsh realities faced by many Maasai women, including Mrs. Kolian. It was here, amidst the familiar surroundings of her home, that she was subjected to female genital mutilation, a brutal tradition that left her with physical and emotional scars. This hidden trauma would linger, haunting her well into adulthood.
A mother of five and a staunch opponent of female genital mutilation, or FGM, Mrs. Kolian’s personal battle with FGM has fueled her advocacy against it.
Her journey began with Compassion International, which gave her the rare opportunity to attend school—a privilege denied to many girls in her community. She excelled academically and athletically but was forced to undergo FGM at age 14, just after her primary school exams. This procedure, meant to mark her transition to adulthood, ended her athletic dreams and left her with lasting scars.
Mrs. Kolian recalls the day with pain and resolve. She says, “We were taken to where my mother was. There, we saw a cow that had been slaughtered, and several people gathered around. When I asked what was happening, I was told it was nothing. Later, my mother revealed I was to undergo the cut because all my friends had already been subjected to it.”
The next morning, Mrs. Kolian was placed under the care of elderly women inside a manyatta, a traditional mud-walled house. The procedure was excruciating. In the cold, early hours, she was taken outside, stripped, and doused with ice-cold water meant to numb her nerves. She says, “That is when I fainted.” Held down and mutilated, she bled profusely, with traditional remedies proving ineffective.
Mrs. Kolian’s suffering is a reflection of the broader pain endured by Maasai women under the guise of cultural preservation.
Despite facing obstacles, including punishment in high school for not participating in sports, Mrs. Kolian pursued higher education with unwavering determination. Her commitment to her education and career led her to become a passionate advocate against female genital mutilation (FGM).
Today, as the founder of Eselenge Engayion, Mrs. Kolian is a leading voice in the fight to end FGM in Kenya. Her organization empowers youth and provides safe spaces for girls fleeing forced mutilation.
Patrick Muia Ndavi is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Nairobi. He says there are severe consequences to FGM, including medical and mental health issues. Women and girls can experience fistulas, birth defects in their children, and anxiety and fear of intimacy. He adds, “When you look at the drivers of FGM, they say it is a cultural issue, a religious issue. But even when we ask which religion supports this practice, they can’t quantify which religion prescribes this vice.”
There are significant efforts by individuals and groups to eradicate female genital mutilation in many countries. Regional initiatives include efforts by The Girl Generation-Support to the Africa-Led Movement, which collaborates with organizations such as Amref Health Africa and Action Aid. The Girl Generation operates in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somaliland, focusing on standardizing laws and providing support to those combating FGM.
The collective goal is to eradicate FGM by 2030, a mission that continues to be championed by Mrs. Kolian and many other dedicated advocates. Their combined efforts are crucial in striving towards a future free from the pain and suffering caused by FGM.
This story is based on an article written by Robert Kibet for IPS, published with the title “From Trauma to Triumph: Kenyan Women’s Courageous Battle Against Female Genital Mutilation” To read the full story, go to: https://www.ipsnews.net/2024/07/from-trauma-to-triumph-kenyan-womens-courageous-battle-against-female-genital-mutilation/#google_vignette
Photo: Naomy Kolian and Jane Kaliko share light moments after a tiring day of engaging the community at a public forum on the need to stop FGM. Credit: Robert Kibet/IPS