THE V-DAY SAFE HOUSE FOR THE GIRLS IN NAROK , KENYA CELEBRATED ITS 20 TH ANNIVERSARY IN APRIL .
Founded and led by Agnes Pareyio and the Tasaru Ntomonok Initiative , the safe house provides shelter and education for girls running away from female genital mutilation ( FGM ) and early childhood marriage . It is a place where young women can safely celebrate an alternative “ rite of passage ” so that Maasai women can follow their tradition without undergoing the cut .
Agnes and her team bravely confront the cultural practice of FGM in the Maasai community have won many hardearned victories , influencing community members to take on alternative rituals to preserve their culture , and educating women and men alike about the power of an educated girl . Each year , hundreds of girls ’ lives – and that of their families – are transformed because of their work and vision .
Agnes ’ story is in many ways one of the key stories of V-Day – it is about grassroots activism . Supporting women leaders and cultural change .