A New Chapter in East Africa’s Fight Against FGM/C

With the East African Community Female Genital Mutilation Bill 2025 having been introduced in April, now is a pivotal moment to spotlight efforts to end FGM/C.

A similar regional bill aiming to eliminate cross-border FGM/C was introduced in 2016, but failed to pass when the EAC heads of state did not sign it into law within the required timeframe. This time, with the right awareness and grassroots involvement, we have a chance to do better.

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting or FGM/C refers to any procedure involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons. It’s a form of gender based violence which is often used to control women’s sexuality, bodies and ultimately their lives.

Whilst FGM/C is illegal in most East African Community (EAC) partner countries, prevalence levels remain high - up to 90% in some ethnic groups. Globally, it is practised in over 94 countries. As Sean Callaghan from Orchid Project shares in the new The Story of Woman in Kenya podcast series:

“ 230 million women and girls today are living with FGM. 4 million or so at risk every year.”

This new EAC Bill aims to create a unified legal framework across all partner states, criminalising cross-border FGM/C and making medicalised FGM/C a criminal offence for healthcare professionals. For the bill to succeed where the 2016 attempt failed, it must be matched by public awareness, grassroots ownership, and survivor-led advocacy.

That’s where storytelling becomes powerful - not just as a tool for empathy, but as a vehicle for change.

In a new podcast series recently published by the INGO Orchid Project in collaboration with The Story of Woman, survivors and activists from two distinct Kenyan communities bring the urgency of the EAC Bill to life through powerful stories of harm, resilience, and grassroots efforts to end FGM/C.

Christine, a Maasai survivor and activist, became a champion for change because of the trauma she experienced firsthand.

“I myself, I have decided to become a champion because of the effect that I went through … My dreams for my daughter … that she gets full education up to university level.”

Christine’s words show what’s at stake: ending FGM/C is not only about stopping harm, but about opening up new futures. The bill offers a necessary legal foundation, but it is the work of women like Christine that brings these policies to life in the community.

In Nairobi, Somali activist Fariha uses her salon as a safe space for healing and honest dialogue.

“A lot of the women talk about the challenges they went through with FGM and the impact it's had on them. And that's when she starts talking to them and asking them why they would want to expose their children if they underwent such challenges themselves,” explains Kenyan journalist Evelyn Wambui, who translated Fariha’s story for the podcast.

Through these everyday conversations, Fariha is challenging harmful norms and planting the seeds of change. Her story shows that while laws are vital, lasting transformation happens at the community level - through relationships, dialogue, and trust.

By connecting this legislative milestone with powerful storytelling, we can help keep FGM/C at the forefront of public consciousness - and inspire action at both policy and community level.