Girlkind Kenya
Ending Female Genital Mutilation Through Education, Empowerment, and Girls' Football
Understanding the Challenge
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful traditional practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia. In Garissa County, Kenya, a predominantly Somali community of 700,000, 83% of girls still undergo FGM despite it being illegal. The practice is driven by deeply rooted beliefs linking a girl's "purity" to her marriageability, and is perpetuated by both patriarchal pressure and women who believe it protects their daughters' futures.
The practice has gone underground as activists push for prosecution. Where it was once a public community ceremony for girls ages 8-12, FGM now happens in secret to girls, often as young as 4-6 years old. While 20-30% of procedures now occur in health facilities (despite being illegal), most girls still suffer without medical care. It can take weeks or months to heal.
About Girlkind Kenya
Girlkind Kenya is a grassroots organization working to end FGM and expand opportunities for girls and women in Garissa. Founded by local leader Fatuma Hakar, Girlkind takes a holistic approach because FGM doesn't exist in isolation, it's connected to poverty, lack of education, and limited opportunities for girls.
Their programs include:
Education Support: Paying school fees to keep girls in school, especially through the critical transition to secondary school where many drop out. Building digital literacy programs so girls can access modern skills and opportunities.
Livelihood Skills: Teaching girls and women skills that increase independence and reduce pressure to marry early or conform to harmful traditions.
Community Education: Providing culturally grounded education about the health impacts of Female Genital Mutilation, and human rights implications. Working with elders and community leaders, some of whom are beginning to shift their views.
The work is making a difference. A growing portion of the community is now advocating for girls to have access to sports and games in schools, a shift that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
Girlkind employs 12 local staff including program assistants, a program manager, instructors, and support staff, all rooted in the Garissa community and accountable to the people they serve.
Girls' Football: A Catalyst for Change
In a patriarchal community where girls are generally not allowed to play sports, ride bikes, or take up public space, Girlkind's girls' soccer league is a radical act of freedom. The plan is to have four teams of girls and young women aged 13-17 and 29-35 come together to play, learn, and support one another.
On the field, girls build confidence and leadership. Off the field, in a space that feels safe and joyful, they talk openly about Female Gentital Mutilation, health, and their futures, conversations that are much easier when it's just girls together. The teams break stigma, challenge patriarchal norms, and make advocacy visible in a way that lectures never could.
The teams need:
Equipment and uniforms • Field rental • Transportation for players • A coach and mentoring support
The vision is long-term: regional and inter-county teams representing Garissa across Kenya and neighboring countries. The short-term goal is simple and powerful: get the teams accepted, playing, and visible. The official launch is planned for International Women's Day, March 8, 2025.
About Founder Fatuma Hussein
Fatuma Hussein was born and raised in Garissa. She became a teacher, studied Business Management, serves as a Member of County Assembly, and is recognized nationally for her leadership. She has been awarded as a Hero by the President of Kenya and named among the 100 most influential people in the country.
Her work is deeply personal. Fatuma started Girlkind after her own daughters were bullied and beaten because they were not cut. She chose to stand against a powerful tradition so that other families wouldn't have to face the same pain.
Girlkind Kenya is trusted by major partners including UNICEF, the Obama Foundation, Hilton Foundation, Womenkind Worldwide, Safaricom Foundation, and the 5 Foundation.
How You Can Help
Small, personal donations create real change. Your support helps keep girls in school, equips football teams, trains mentors, and strengthens a community-led movement to end FGM. When you give to Girlkind Kenya, you become part of a story of courage, community, and girls who are rising.
Small, personal donations create real change. Your support helps keep girls in school, equips soccer teams, trains mentors, and strengthens a community-led movement to end FGM. When you give to Girlkind Kenya, you become part of a story of courage, community, and girls who are rising.
Donate. Partner. Stand with girls.