Kenya has launched the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a powerful initiative led by First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto.
The national event, held on November 25, 2025, at Ole Sheda Grounds in Narok County, saw the unveiling of the ‘My Dear Daughter’ campaign,a survivor- and mother-driven movement focused on protecting girls from harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.
‘My Dear Daughter’ builds upon the Office of the First Lady’s ongoing efforts to empower women, promote economic inclusion, and defend girls’ rights. The campaign places a spotlight on the real stories and experiences of survivors and mothers from pastoralist communities,including the Maasai, Samburu, and Pokot,who have endured or witnessed FGM and child marriage.
“There are times when the pain of our daughters demands to be seen, not counted. There are moments in our nation’s life when statistics become stories,when data becomes daughters,” Mama Rachel Ruto said, emphasizing the importance of humanizing gender-based violence (GBV) statistics
The campaign complements several First Lady-led initiatives, including:
Faith Diplomacy and Community Dialogues: Engaging local leaders, elders, and faith institutions to challenge and transform harmful cultural norms.
Women’s Economic Empowerment (Mama Doing Good): Equipping girls and women with tools for financial independence, enabling them to resist exploitation and early marriage.
Women’s Peace and Security Agenda: Creating safer communities and strengthening protection systems in high-GBV counties.
Boy-Child Empowerment Agenda: Promoting positive masculinity through mentorship, addressing GBV prevention at its roots.
Through ‘My Dear Daughter,’ the First Lady aims to deepen community advocacy, improve psychosocial support for affected girls, and enhance local rescue and reporting mechanisms.
Culture: A Crown, Not a Chain
Addressing the cultural context of FGM and child marriage, Mama Rachel Ruto called on communities to celebrate traditions that uplift rather than endanger girls. She commended Maasai elders and cultural champions who have pioneered alternative rites of passage and publicly denounced violence.
“FGM and child marriage are not rites of passage,they are theft of life,” she declared. “Culture should be a crown, not a chain, for the girl child.” She urged fathers to be active protectors and encouraged women to speak out boldly against practices that undermine girls’ health and dignity
The First Lady applauded the collaborative efforts of community groups, civil society, faith-based organizations, government agencies, and international partners in the fight against GBV. She reaffirmed the Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment to ending FGM by strengthening legal protections, expanding rescue centers, and ramping up public awareness campaigns.
As Kenya embarks on the 16 Days of Activism, ‘My Dear Daughter’ stands as a testament to the nation’s resolve to end gender-based violence,not just through policy, but by protecting every girl’s right to safety, dignity, and a future filled with hope.
