woman of steel

“Standing up to fight a practice deeply entrenched in a patriarchal society is not a walk in the park,” said Domtila Chesang. She was raised in a community where female genital mutilation (FGM) was a normal practice for a girl to be a “woman” and accepted in the tribe just as Ngugi Wa Thingo narrates in his book, the river between.
The pain Domtila saw her cousin going through pushed her to be an anti –FGM champion. “I vividly recall the ordeal that morning,” said Domtila in a quavering voice. As the girls were escorted to the thickets at dawn, women joined in ululations. The cutter pulled out a rusty handmade knife that had been stashed in her bag. In a splash of a second, the first girl was whisked to the cutter and her legs widely spread with some women holding her hands firmly. The cutter performed the “cut” as the singing got louder to cover up for the girls screaming. The same procedure happened to the other girls using the same knife. They were bleeding profusely and groaning in pain. The experiences that night forced Domtila to run away and stay with her grandmother who enrolled her in Ortum Primary girls’ boarding school and she managed to escape the “cut”. The school has since been a haven for many girls at risk of FGM and child marriage.
She abandoned her profession as a teacher and formed an organization I_Rep foundation, a community-based organization formed to champion for the rights of women and girls in West Pokot County, Kenya. Her engagement with elders made it easier for her to carry out her campaigns. Domtila looks forward to engaging more men and boys in anti-FGM campaigns as this strategy has proven sustainable.
Women in the hard-to-reach areas barely know their rights and Domtila has devoted most of her time to seeing that no one has been left behind. She believes that change starts with changing an individual’s mindset and empowering them.
Being an anti-FGM champion comes with many hurdles. Many times, Domtila faced rejection from her people for going against their culture. She was labeled a traitor and an enemy of the people. It was difficult to convince people, especially the elders to abandon a practice known to be “rich” to the tribe.
“Ending FGM should be a collective responsibility.” Said Domtila.

73 Responses

  19. Governments should support local organisations to end FGM. Many girls have dropped out of school due to FGM which is a bridge to child marriage.

  24. As a nurse I have seen girls suffering from the effects of FGM.Some have experienced PTSD others fistula and even death Let us join hands and end FGM

  48. We share the same cultural practices and this had caused conflict in the Pokot/marakwet border as young warrior go for raids to get dowry .in return many girls end up getting married at a young age.We should unite as counties and end it.

  52. Stories play a big role in changing an individuals perspective.Besides they can be used to create awareness on social issues in the society.Stories and use of social media can play a key role in ending child marriage and FGM.

  57. I have seen the work Domtila is doing and I have had a chance to interact with here.You have a brilliant mind in Domtila.She has all it takes to endfgm

  60. The Anti_FGM board needs to recognise this woman ,she is doing incredible in terms of helping girls get back to school and even lobbying for their scholarships.

  68. FGM still exists in my community that is the Kisii community.During long holidays it is usually done in secrecy in the name of church rallies.

  72. The article clearly spell out everyone’s responsibility in fighting FGM. It is indeed painful and traumatizing not forgetting the fact that one can be exposed to diseases such as HIV since one blade is being used.

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