V-DAY SAFE HOUSE IN KENYA
The V-Day Safe House for the Girls in Narok , Kenya celebrated its 20th anniversary in April 2022 and Agnes , its visionary founder , was elected to the Kenyan Parliament in August , making history as the first woman MP from the Narok North Constituency sector .
GIRLS IN SCHOOL
65 GIRLS were housed at the Safe House and attended school
108 GIRLS who are reconciled with their families attended school + received support for their school fees and supplies . Families are unable to cover these costs .
25 GIRLS completed primary school , all enrolled in high school 14 GIRLS completed high school and are ready to proceed to university / college in September .
IMPACT
14 rescued girls successfully reconciled with their parents
1500 community members ( women , men , youth , girls and boys in and out of school ) were reached with anti-FGM messages .
National prevalence of FGM dropped from 21 % to 15 % according to Kenya Demographic and Health Survey ( KDHS ) 2022
Note : Alternative rites of passage ceremonies were not conducted during this period because of restrictions on gatherings due to Coronavirus ; these laws have been lifted and ARPs will resume in August .
We celebrate Agnes ’ vision , perseverance , and leadership in her bold pursuit of an end to FGM ( female genital mutilation ) and her fearless and never-ending work for justice and education for Maasai girls and the community . She has been an inspiration to all of us at V-Day , City of Joy and One Billion Rising and to activists worldwide .
Twenty one years ago , Agnes opened the V-Day Safe House for the Girls in Narok . 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 , having won many hard-earned 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 .