Evaluation report: Alternative Rite of Passage approach in ending FGM in West Pokot, Kisii and Nyamira counties in Kenya

In brief

This evaluation report examines the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) approach and its effectiveness in combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Western Kenya. The report is a joint initiative that delves into both International Solidarity Foundation’s projects in Kisii and Nyamira counties as well as World Vision’s project in West Pokot County. The main motive was to both evaluate the effectiveness of the projects and draw comparisons between possible synergies and differences of them. 

Main findings

• There is a correlation between some decline in FGM prevalence and the ARP. This positive impact is evident in the decrease in reported FGM incidents, a shift in community attitudes toward FGM as a harmful practice, and a growing acceptance of alternative rites of passage. 
• Part of ARP’s success comes down to building a program that is both timely, creates the needed physical space for the change, and considers cultural aspects. Most girls are cut during school holidays so that’s when the camps are also organized. The symbolic value of the rite is not downplayed but it is replaced with a non-violent cultural rite of passage that marks the transition from girlhood to puberty and womanhood. 
• ARP seems to improve intra-family and community relationships and decision-making. Especially the relationship between the fathers and their daughters seems to strengthen. 
• Public declarations against FGM, often made during graduation ceremonies and community events, serve as powerful statements that reinforce commitment and act as encouraging examples. 
• ARP empowers girls to navigate through life’s challenges, resist societal pressures surrounding FGM, and advocate for their rights. Such a change requires long-lasting and continuous support extending from school clubs to the actual camp and all the way to follow-up sessions to ensure and foster a program’s holistic and transformative approach to change. 

Recommen­dations

• Design specific workshops, intergenerational discussions and sensitization sessions tailored to perspectives and concerns of older women and mothers-in-law, who often hold traditional beliefs about FGM as well as power in the decision making.  
• While the approach acknowledges the importance of male involvement, further efforts are needed to engage men and boys as active allies in combating FGM. This includes addressing harmful gender norms, promoting positive masculinity, and encouraging men not to discriminate uncut women as possible wives. 
• Nurture ARP’s sustainability in cultural terms: organize feedback-sessions with the participants and their families to find out how we  ensure that the local communities claim the ownership of a new, culturally significant rite of passage, and how  we can ensure that our local partners have the capacity to sustain needed practices, camps and other embodied forms of practice in future? 
• ISF should update its ARP manual. Current version is not considered age- appropriate and teachers have considered it impractical in their daily work. The new manual should also include more info on the new “trends” in the realm of FGM, such as medicalization of the practice.