Purity Lonkisa: The Girl Who Built a Haven for FGM Victims

Purity Lonkisa has become a beacon of hope for young girls enduring the traumatic effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Lonkisa, driven by a deep desire to make a difference, founded a safe haven that offers solace, healing, and support for these vulnerable girls. Her work not only provides a physical refuge but also fosters a community where survivors can rebuild their lives free from stigma and discrimination.

FGM remains a pervasive issue in Kenya despite legal prohibitions. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey of 2022, 15% of girls and women aged 15 to 49 have undergone the practice, a statistic that underscores the challenges Lonkisa faces in her mission. The sanctuary she has created is not merely a shelter; it is a symbol of resilience and a testament to the transformative power of one person’s unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Lonkisa is the founder of Empowering with Nailantei and serves as the chairperson of Wings of Hope, two community-based organizations dedicated to supporting FGM survivors. She was inspired to establish these initiatives after witnessing the suffering of girls in her community. Her goal is to empower both survivors and those at risk of undergoing FGM to find strength in each other, breaking down the barriers of stigma and uniting them in a shared fight against this harmful practice.

Creating an organization that opposes FGM was not without its challenges. Lonkisa faced resistance from some community members who viewed her efforts as a threat to traditional norms. Despite this opposition, she pressed on, determined to provide a safe space for the girls. Her organization offers psychosocial support and referrals to other safe houses, having empowered over 100 girls to embrace education and self-acceptance.

Beyond shelter and support, Lonkisa’s organizations run various programs to raise awareness about FGM, including after-school initiatives that engage girls in discussions and activities aimed at educating them about their rights and the health risks associated with FGM. Collaborating with local government and community groups, these programs seek to change attitudes and empower women to take a stand against the practice.

Mercy*, one of the beneficiaries of Lonkisa’s haven, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We’re so grateful for Empowering with Nailantei for allowing us to learn about our health and educating us about the retrogressive culture that should be stopped. We stand [together to] say no to FGM.”

Ruth Mbuguah, administrator of Kajiado Children’s Home, explains that victims often find their way to safe houses with the help of volunteer children’s officers, community well-wishers, or through rescue operations by police and children’s officers. However, accessing these havens can be fraught with challenges, including threats of curses from elders and logistical difficulties in remote areas.

Despite these hurdles, there are many success stories. Mbuguah recounts the journey of Naomi, who was rescued from an early marriage in 2005 and now runs a successful tailoring business in Kajiado after being educated and reconciled with her family.

To ensure more success stories, Mbuguah advocates for the establishment of child protection centers in rural areas and faster judicial processes for abuse cases. She emphasizes the importance of government support, suggesting that funding for scholarships and basic provisions could significantly bolster the work of safe houses.

The battle against FGM in Kenya continues, with legislative measures like the Prohibition of FGM Act, 2011, providing a legal framework to prosecute offenders. However, community-led efforts like those of Purity Lonkisa are crucial in shifting societal norms and protecting the next generation from the harms of FGM. Her story is one of courage, compassion, and an unyielding resolve to make a difference in the lives of countless girls.