It’s almost the end of my time here at Msichana Empowerment. And while I’m looking forward to some home comforts like a proper shower and seeing my family & friends, I will really miss it here.

This week has been a bit slower than last week in terms of productivity, but I think this is in part due to the generally slower pace of life here compared to the speed at which I’m used to working in the UK. Hopefully Joyce and I will finish off January’s month end tomorrow before I leave for Nairobi.

Yesterday was the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. Natalie took me with her to an anti-FGM event today which was attended by girls from a number of different local schools, community members and different organisations also working towards stopping FGM.

While a lot of what was spoken was in Swahili and I couldn’t understand what was being said, the passion with which everyone spoke could easily be felt. A few speakers did use English and one group of girls performed a poem in English asking for help from those who are supposed to protect them, such as their parents, teachers and chiefs. It was really quite something.

FGM is an outdated and unsafe practice that leads to medical issues for girls and women who have had it done throughout their lives. Girls who have undergone FGM are also married young, more at risk of teenage pregnancy, HIV and mental health issues. I felt privileged to stand and walk amongst some amazing men, women and children who are fighting for what is right.