Campaign against female genital mutilation in colonial Kenya

Jomo Kenyatta 1966-06-15

Campaign against Female Genital Mutilation in Colonial Kenya refers to the efforts made to end the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya during the colonial period. This campaign was part of a broader social and cultural conflict between colonial authorities, Christian missionaries, and various Kenyan communities, most notably the Kikuyu, among whom FGM was widely practiced.

Background

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. In Kenya, as in many other African societies, FGM was deeply embedded in the cultural traditions of several ethnic groups, serving as a rite of passage for girls into womanhood. The practice was associated with notions of purity, modesty, and eligibility for marriage.

Colonial Intervention

The British colonial administration in Kenya, which lasted from the late 19th century until 1963, initially adopted a policy of indirect rule, largely avoiding interference in the cultural practices of the indigenous populations. However, the rise of the Christian missionary movement in the early 20th century marked a turning point in the colonial approach to FGM.

Christian missionaries, many of whom were from Britain and other parts of Europe, viewed FGM as a barbaric and inhumane practice that needed to be eradicated. They launched a moral crusade against FGM, advocating for its abolition as part of their broader mission to convert and civilize the local populations. This stance put them at odds with many Kenyan communities, for whom FGM was a deeply entrenched cultural and spiritual practice.

The Kikuyu Controversy

The campaign against FGM in colonial Kenya is most famously associated with the controversy among the Kikuyu, the largest ethnic group in the country. The practice, known as "Irua" among the Kikuyu, was a central element of their social and cultural identity. The opposition to FGM by missionaries and colonial authorities sparked significant resistance and became a focal point of broader anti-colonial sentiment.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the issue of FGM became a flashpoint, leading to a split within the Kikuyu community. Some, influenced by Christian teachings and the promise of education for their children, chose to abandon FGM and other traditional practices. Others, led by figures such as Jomo Kenyatta, who would later become Kenya's first President, defended FGM as a cornerstone of Kikuyu culture and identity.

Impact and Legacy

The campaign against FGM in colonial Kenya had a lasting impact on Kenyan society. While it did not eradicate the practice, it initiated a national conversation about women's rights, bodily autonomy, and cultural preservation. The controversy highlighted the complexities of colonial intervention in African societies and the often unintended consequences of such actions.

In the years following independence, the debate over FGM continued, evolving with the changing social, political, and economic landscape of Kenya. Today, the fight against FGM is carried on by a wide range of actors, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders, reflecting a continued commitment to ending the practice.

See Also

• Female Genital Mutilation
• Colonialism in Kenya
• Kikuyu people
• Women's rights in Kenya