I FLEE FOR SEPINA.
I am sitting under a tree facing the breathtaking sunset in Samburu. The horizon here is very beautiful, more than my story. I have thirty minutes to take some fresh air, before I go back to the house and prepare dinner for my husband and my precious eight month old daughter Sepina. It will be our last meal as a ‘family’ .I am excited and anxious at the same time. I have made a decision that will change my life forever. At dawn, Sepina and I will leave this town for good. I only packed one bag because I don’t want to draw attention, but let me tell you why we are fleeing.
When I was fifteen, my sister, cousin and I went through the cut. It was my aunt who took us to the ritual. In fact, she said she was my age when she went through the same. It was a painful ordeal. I was violated in that procedure. They imposed pain, took my innocence, shed my blood then crowned me a woman.
Shortly after, I was married off. They said I was ready to start a family and I was responsible for my ‘home’. I didn’t even get to choose the love of my life but my husband won the jackpot, allegedly. My childbirth was devastating due to the cut. I struggled and fought for our dear lives as I bled again for the fruit of my womb. If I raise her here, she will go through the same. That is why we must leave.
I depart with a heavy tired heart. I still feel robbed .You may wonder what is next for me and honestly,I am not sure. What I know is that Sepina’s story has to be different. I will allow her to make her own choices and teach her that her body, mind and wellbeing are worth more than gold. As for me, I deserve better. I will continue with beadwork, I will make a living from it and go back to school. It has been a long decade but from tomorrow, I turn a new chapter.
30 Responses
It’s something one shouldn’t go through, let alone being forced to it!
This is an extremely sad detailed story no one deserves this kind of experience.
Well structured story. Very impressive
We must end FGM.
My heart goes out to all who have gone through FGM.
This is a story that demonstrates a desire for a better future. We need to stop objectifying women’s bodies.Well done Ann.
#for Sepina.
Sad 💔
You made the rigt decision
Its heartbreaking that this still happens
This is a gut wrenching state of affairs that ought not to continue in society.This vice destroys our young girls, scarring them for life.We all need to stand up and end FGM.#Cut the cut!!
Spot on #cut the cut
The plight expressed in here deserves the attention of all of us to stand up and say ‘STOP FGM NOW!!!!’
Let’s work together to end FGM in Kenya
A very touching story. Everyone deserves to choose their life and how they should live it.
This should not happen to any Lady in this current world. What a touching story!.
A good story it is. End FGM
End FGM
Woow,I want to know what happened next
#End FGM
What happened after she moved out? I want more
Its time we all came together and put an end to FGM
Great story…. Very well narrated. Let’s hold hands and end FGM
Captivating story,great suspense at the end.
I have a friend who survived FGM ,my hear goes out to all our sisters who’ve been through it .
It’s time we abolish retrogressive cultures.Its long overdue
Let’s fight to end FGM
End FGM
Brilliant story!
Nobody deserves to go through this. Say no to FGM!!
Empower ladies, stop FGM
Good read!
Touching story. Let’s end FGM!
What a story! It’s sad that this is still practiced
What a selfless mother! Sepina is among the few lucky girls who will escape this plight. FGM should STOP NOW.
Allow our girls to live with dignity.
Beautiful storytelling Ann.
Our dear girls deserve to be protected and nurtured, not objectified.
This is wonderfully written, a touching story on what this experience could be like for so many young girls. Thanks for shining the light on it.