The sterile gloves of a nurse were never meant to replace the traditional cutter’s blade, yet this is the silent, sanitised crisis now threatening the daughters of Kisii.

Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Aburi has sounded the alarm on “medicalised FGM,” a growing trend where healthcare professionals—bowing to deep-seated community pressure—perform the cut under the guise of safety, effectively legitimising a violation of human rights.

The Illusion of Safety

Aburi warned that the involvement of medical practitioners is creating a false sense of security for parents. By moving the practice from riverbanks to clinics, the community is attempting to sanitise a ritual that remains fundamentally harmful.

The stakes in Kisii are exceptionally high. Home to nearly three million people, the region has historically grappled with Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) prevalence rates exceeding 80 percent, according to government data. While the method is modernising, the outcome remains a devastating violation of bodily autonomy.

Medical experts and rights advocates note that this shift presents unique challenges:

• Legitimacy: When performed by doctors, the practice gains an undeserved stamp of medical approval.
• Secrecy: The procedure is increasingly performed behind closed doors or during school holidays to evade law enforcement.
• Health Risks: Despite clinical settings, the long-term damage persists, including childbirth complications, chronic infections, and deep psychological trauma.

Empowerment Over Tradition

Speaking in an interview, Aburi emphasised that the fight is not just against the act itself, but for the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of women. She argued that true safety comes from empowerment, not a surgical blade.

“I am committed to providing necessary information on SRHR and the consequences of FGM to our people, and help young girls make informed choices about their bodies and health,” Aburi stated.

To combat the cultural entrenchment of the practice, the Woman Representative has pivoted to direct community engagement. She has partnered with local schools to distribute sanitary towels and install water tanks, using these touchpoints to roll out education programs.

For Aburi, the mission extends beyond legislation; it is a battle for the mind, ensuring the next generation of Kisii women defines their worth by their intellect, not a scar.