In Garissa County, cultural heritage runs deep, and the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been prevalent for generations, affecting an alarming 83% (KDHS 2022) of girls in the region. With a literacy rate of only 41.7% in 2019, significantly lower than the national average of 78.41% (KIPPRA-The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis), Garissa has faced substantial challenges in overcoming deeply ingrained traditions. This low literacy rate has limited the youth’s ability to critically assess and challenge harmful cultural practices like FGM, perpetuating cycles of ignorance and harmful customs. However, these very challenges have also created fertile ground for change, with young advocates like Jamil Salat rising to lead the charge against these practices.
Jamil, a 12-year-old Grade 7 pupil from Bura Primary School, is a prime example of how initiatives aimed at bridging the educational gap can spark transformative change. Through ActionAid Kenya’s boys’ and girls’ forums in schools, designed to empower young people with the knowledge and leadership skills to speak out against FGM, Jamil has overcome the limitations imposed by the low literacy environment. These forums provide a platform for young people, particularly boys, to develop leadership abilities, build confidence, and become vocal advocates for change in their communities.
Jamil’s involvement in school events, including closing ceremonies, inter-school debates, and the boy’s and girls’ forums, allowed him to challenge harmful cultural norms. The forums encouraged boys and girls to collaborate, breaking down the gender barriers that often exist in Garissa. Jamil found his voice and became a passionate advocate for the end of FGM. His advocacy resonated deeply with his peers, and he emerged as a powerful example of how young people can lead the charge against entrenched cultural practices.
In July 2024, Jamil’s commitment to ending FGM and his leadership abilities earned him a spot as a representative for Garissa County in the Kenya Children’s Assembly. This assembly, which brings together children from all 47 counties to discuss issues affecting them, has become a key platform for young leaders to voice their concerns. Jamil, determined to make an impact, decided to run for the position of Deputy Clerk in the Garissa County Children’s Assembly. Despite the highly competitive nature of the elections, with most contestants coming from urban areas where access to education and platforms for public speaking were more readily available, Jamil’s campaign resonated strongly with his peers.
During his campaign, Jamil passionately spoke about the need to end FGM and protect girls in his community. His message of empowerment and change was met with thunderous applause, and he successfully secured the position of Deputy Clerk.
“This was my time for my voice to be heard beyond the walls of Bura Primary School,” Jamil said. “I wanted the other students from the county to join our movement to end FGM and protect our girls.”
In Garissa, where boys typically shy away from publicly advocating against FGM, Jamil’s victory marked a significant shift. His success not only reflected his determination but also represented a cultural transformation in the region. The boys’ and girls’ forums have helped break down barriers, encouraging boys to speak out against harmful practices and promoting gender equality. Jamil’s leadership within the Children’s Assembly shows that, even in a community struggling with low literacy and high rates of FGM, change is possible when young people are empowered to lead.
Jamil’s journey illustrates how, despite the challenges posed by Garissa’s low literacy rate and the high prevalence of FGM, education and youth leadership can create lasting change. Through programmess like the boys’ and girls’ forums, Jamil and other young leaders are challenging harmful traditions and working toward a future where every girl can live free from practices like FGM. His story serves as an inspiring reminder that, even in the face of adversity, young people can break down barriers and lead the charge for a more equitable society.
Author: Zamzam Hassan, Project Coordinator for TGG-ALM in Garissa County, ActionAid Kenya. Edited by Ezra Kiriago ,Communications Coordinator ActionAid Kenya.