Nottingham connected
want the cutting of girls to end. Supporting such individuals
to become ‘Agents of Change’ in their own communities
and celebrating them is fundamental in changing people’s
mindsets. Learning of interventions that work will also help
us with our UK campaigns and work within communities.
Valentine Nkoyo, CEO Mojatu Foundation said “As a young
Maasai woman who has gone through so many challenges
and escaped early marriage to get where I am today, it was
heart-breaking to meet a 16 year old girl, who was cut and
married off to an older man as a second wife and now has
four children. When I left her little dark hut, it hit me so hard
that my life could have easily gone down that road had I not
fought so hard and found my voice. Millions of girls across
the globe are still in such a situation. I am hopeful though
that little acts of kindness from people wanting to make
a difference can make the lives of such girls and women
better. I am thankful to the Nottingham City Council for
supporting our work and especially Councillor Morris for
her passion and dedication”
The success of the trip was tremendous. During a meeting with
the CEO of the Anti-FGM Board Bernadette Lolojo discussing
partnership and good practice, Nottingham City’s Zero
Tolerance stance was discussed and she was very enthusiastic
and committed to even go further and have ‘Villages of Zero
Tolerance to FGM’ in Kenya. A visit to the Machakos County
Government, led to the county speaker confirming a visit to
Nottingham to learn, share and make an initial commitment
to be the first Zero Tolerant FGM County in Kenya.
There is also commitment from several universities, faith
leaders, politicians, Community Based Organisations
and other persons of influence to work with the Mojatu
Foundation. Projects would
include research, training,
advocacy,
awareness,
support and other women
empowerment
initiatives.
Dialogue
with
different
influential members of the
affected communities at the
grassroots levels helped in
mobilising and engaging
communities positively. We
hope to continue working
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9
with them as the ‘Community Gate Keepers’.
“FGM is a multi-faceted issue with links to serious health
related issues, child marriage, teenage pregnancy, school
drop-outs and other forms of abuse and discrimination
and therefore needs a multi sectoral approach to tackle
it effectively and in a sensitive manner that engages
and supports affected communities. This can only
be achieved through strong strategic partnerships”
Valentine Nkoyo added.
Reverend Morris said, “I only went to Kenya as a ‘bodyguard/
bag handler’, however within 48 hours I realised just what
a powerful voice the church has in the community. I have
started looking at new forms of dialogue where sex is
something to be celebrated as opposed to being spoken
of in terms of sin and condemnation. The church can surely
find a way of talking about FGM openly and bring about
positive change”
Joseph Ndaga, Mojatu Foundation Regional Coordinator
said, “This is the right time for developing innovative
solution to the elimination of FGM practices in Kenya and
Africa. This visit is in line with the attainment of SDG 17
of fostering sustainable global partnership for sustainable
development in Africa. All partners and stakeholders
should remain committed to their promises so as
together we can make this practice come to an end in our
generation”.
We are appealing to well wishers to support our new
programmes to support girls and women in remote areas
in Kenya through education, training and other women
empowerment initiatives which will be officially launched
in December 2017.
We will be launching our
fundraising for the programme
in August.
If you are interested in
donating or organising a
fundraising event or crowd
funding to support us, please
contact Valentine Nkoyo on
01157846668 | 01157846666
Ext 302 | Mobile 07794372214
or email [email protected].