Today (February 6) is the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutiliation (FGM) and CWB is marking the event by formally announcing our first ever project focussing on the issue.

On February 15 a team of our volunteers and partners 28 Too Many head to Kenya where they will work with the Maasai Cricket Warriors to raise awareness of the practice.

As many as three out of every four girls in Kenya are at risk of FGM and the team will be based in the rural area of Laikipia where it remains prevalent.

Working together, the three organisations have developed an innovative new programme which uses cricket as the vehicle to work with local communities, empower young people and deliver important health and anti-FGM education.

CWB trustee Ed Williams said: “CWB has been built on our passionate belief in the power of cricket as a tool for social development. Over the last 10 years we have used cricket to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS awareness, bring communities together, empower women and rehabilitate child soldiers.

“The fight against FGM is a hugely important cause and a natural extension of our work. We are delighted to be working in partnership with 28 Too Many on our first FGM focused trip and with their expertise we believe we can make a real difference in Kenya."

CWB and the Warriors have been working together for a number of years but this is the first time 28 Too Many – a campaign group fighting to end FGM –have been involved. During their week in Kenya the team will coach young people and work with teachers, midwives and health workers to help break the cycle of FGM.

28 Too Many Founder and Executive Director Dr Ann-Marie Wilson, who will be joining the volunteer team in Laikipia, said: “Ambassadors and champions for change within a community help to change attitudes and bring about lasting change to end FGM. It is inspiring that the Warriors want to use their growing reputation as a cricket team to tackle FGM and other social issues in the Maasai.

“I am very pleased that 28 Too Many can share our knowledge of FGM and work with CWB on this exciting new project which supports the Warrior’s campaign.”

To meet the team heading out to Kenya and keep up to date with the project visit their blog at http://cwbblogs.com/kenya15/

For some facts on FGM see below.

For more information on 28 Too Many click here. You can also read a blog by Dr Ann-Marie Wilson on the Huffington Post website here.

For more on the Maasai Cricket Warriors click here.

FGM Facts

• Female genital mutilation (FGM) is an ancient traditional practice dating back over 2000 years which involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitals for non-medical reason. It is estimated that over 125 million girls and women in Africa and the Middle East have undergone FGM and 3 million are at risk each year (UNICEF, 2012).
• Across Kenya the prevalence of FGM in 15-49 year olds has reduced from 37.6% (1998) to 27.1% (2008-9). However prevalence is much higher in the Maasai at 73.2 % (2008-9).