Transformative Programs

“They came to our house to cut me when I was only seven years old. It was a traumatic experience for me; I had to go through the pain and agony for 21 days after the initial step. They used heat to make sure I recovered from the cutting and sewing. I remember this as the most painful experience I have ever had,” shared Kaiya.

As with many women in Somalia, the vaginal cutting that is part of female genital mutilation (FGM) brought a lot of physical pain to Kaiya along with great psychological consequences. As she grew up, Kaiya experienced pain and difficulties during menstruation, sexual relations with her husband and childbirth. She is a mother to seven children, four of whom are girls.

“Although it was a painful experience for me,” Kaiya goes on to say, “I could not stop this for two of my girls. At the time I was influenced by the strong cultural expectations and beliefs. Out of fear of being different and causing trouble for one’s daughters and family, I succumbed to societal expectations.”

Learning about Jesus Christ’s love and becoming his disciple gradually alleviated my fears. I had faith in him [Jesus], and now I can stand strong in my salvation knowing he is with me.

Culturally, FGM is aimed at assuring girls’ and women’s social status, chastity and marriageability. The practice has persisted as a result of beliefs that uncut women and girls are promiscuous, unclean and physically undesirable.

“I came across a program named Rajada Dumarka [Women of Hope in Somali] as I listened to the radio. I learned lots from it. Learning about Jesus Christ’s love and becoming his disciple gradually alleviated my fears. I had faith in him [Jesus], and now I can stand strong in my salvation knowing he is with me.”

“I also learned through the program about the dangers of this FGM practice. I am happy to share that my two youngest daughters have not undergone this practice. I took a stand to protect them from this. I have ensured that all my grandchildren do not go through this. I know that Jesus Christ will give them the right husbands who will love them even without doing this procedure. I continue listening to this program as it helps me grow in knowing Christ and gives me the confidence to do what is right and to speak for the girls.”

Women of Hope continues to bring transformation to individuals and cultures through its educational and spiritual truths.

– Sphiwe Nxumalo-Ngwenya, Africa regional coordinator