Why I stopped carrying out FGM
A woman writes in her own words why she decided to abandon the practice of FGM after learning of the medical dangers.
Wednesday 6 February 2019 11:58, UK
FGM is the cutting of some or all of the external parts of the female genitalia.
It serves no medical purpose, but this dangerous and painful practice has been adopted by cultures across the world, predominantly in parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
The Maasai people have the fourth-highest rate of FGM in Kenya at 74%.
Now, after work from charity SAFE Maa, some girls are undergoing either less severe forms of FGM or escaping it completely.
Mary Nataana Pumpun, from Olmesutie, in Loita, used to carry out FGM in her community.
On the day when zero tolerance to FGM is marked across the world, she tells Sky News why she stopped.
Ask me anything, I have been here since the beginning of the campaign. I know it all.
I used to be a community circumciser, but after I was trained by SAFE Maa, I decided to stop.
Three years ago I stopped cutting completely.
I first saw SAFE Maa perform at a cultural graduation ceremony Eunoto Oorompoi.
At first I thought they were mad, how could we ever abandon cutting?
An uncut girl who gave birth was a bad omen, I thought it was impossible.
I refused to listen.
But then I attended a workshop, and discovered the hardship and danger cut women experienced whilst giving birth, compared to those who were uncut.
I realised I had to change, and decided then to stop cutting.
Today the community cultural leaders will officially bless the alternative rite of passage, a ceremony I helped to create, allowing all girls to graduate to womanhood without cutting.
I am so happy they have listened to us and agreed.
Some girls have already passed through this new rite of passage and have had large families. We know it works.
Our community is changing and SAFE Maa are responsible for this.