Josephine Naramat and Dahabo Guracha, two women from Kenya’s Samburu and Marsabit counties, have emerged as pivotal figures in the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. Their journeys, marked by personal struggles and resilience, have fueled a mission to protect girls from harmful practices and ensure their access to education. Their work underscores the urgent need to address deeply entrenched cultural norms in arid and semi-arid regions, where girls face disproportionate risks of early marriage, FGM, and educational exclusion.
Naramat, 34, grew up in Samburu County, where FGM and early marriage are deeply rooted traditions. In 2013, she faced a critical choice: undergo FGM and accept a forced marriage to secure her education or defy her family’s expectations. Determined to pursue her future, she rejected the plan, left home, and continued her studies in Meru. Her decision not only preserved her education but also set a precedent for her younger sisters, who were spared the practice due to Samburu cultural rules. Today, Naramat is the founder of the Ramat Empowerment Initiative, which has rescued over 500 girls from FGM and child marriage since its inception.
Through community dialogues, school programs, and partnerships with local leaders, Naramat’s organization educates families on the health risks and legal consequences of FGM. She emphasizes the role of men and elders as key decision-makers, advocating for their involvement in dismantling harmful traditions. “We explain the dangers of FGM and the legal framework to protect girls,” she said. “Our goal is to create a generation that values education over outdated customs.” In 2025 alone, the initiative rescued 161 girls at risk of FGM, child marriage, or neglect, reflecting the ongoing urgency of her work.
Dahabo Guracha, 29, from Marsabit County, experienced FGM at age seven, a practice she initially accepted as part of her culture. However, her perspective shifted during secondary school when she learned of its illegality and health risks. Despite the trauma, she pursued her education, earning a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi in 2024 and a Master’s in Development Studies. Today, she is a spoken-word artist, counselor, and advocate, using her platform to challenge FGM through community outreach and social media.
Guracha’s work with the Scars to Stars initiative and her role as founder of Trio-Hub Indigenous Women CBO focus on empowering girls and addressing gender-based violence. She conducts school visits, providing education on reproductive health, menstrual hygiene, and the dangers of early marriage. “I use my story to connect with older community members who may not understand English or Swahili,” she said. “Spoken word allows me to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.” Her efforts have reached over 5,200 students, though she faces resistance from those who view her advocacy as a threat to cultural identity.
Both women highlight the systemic challenges in arid and semi-arid counties, where girls’ education remains significantly lower than the national average. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, gross enrollment rates in counties like Samburu and Marsabit range from 23.5% to 80.3%, far below the national average. FGM prevalence in these regions is alarmingly high, with rates between 56.7% and 86.9% in Samburu, Somali, and Maasai communities. These practices are often linked to early marriages, which force girls to abandon their studies to fulfill domestic roles.
Naramat and Guracha’s work is part of a broader movement to shift cultural norms. Their organizations collaborate with local leaders to promote girls’ education and challenge harmful practices. However, they face obstacles such as limited resources, community resistance, and the vast geographical challenges of reaching remote areas. Despite these hurdles, their impact is measurable: over 500 girls have been rescued, and thousands have received education on their rights.
The public-interest implications of their work are profound. By addressing FGM and child marriage, they contribute to Kenya’s broader goals of gender equality and sustainable development. Their efforts align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those targeting gender-based violence and quality education. Yet, progress remains uneven, with arid regions lagging behind urban centers in achieving these targets.
Both women emphasize the importance of community engagement. Naramat’s Ramat Empowerment Initiative trains students to become advocates against FGM, while Guracha’s school programs foster dialogue between parents, teachers, and students. “Education is the key to breaking the cycle,” Naramat said. “When girls stay in school, they gain the tools to challenge traditions and build better futures.” Guracha adds, “We’re not just fighting FGM; we’re fighting for the right of every girl to choose her path.”
The challenges they face are compounded by the socio-economic realities of their regions. Many families prioritize immediate survival over long-term education, and girls often bear the brunt of domestic responsibilities. Naramat notes that “girls in Samburu are expected to fetch water, graze livestock, and care for siblings, leaving little time for school.” Guracha highlights the lack of infrastructure, stating, “In Marsabit, access to schools and healthcare is limited, making it harder for girls to stay in education.”
Despite these barriers, their work has inspired a new generation of advocates. Naramat’s initiative has trained over 200 community leaders, while Guracha’s spoken-word performances have reached audiences across Kenya. Their stories are featured in national media, amplifying their message and attracting support from donors and international organizations.
The long-term impact of their efforts remains to be seen, but their immediate contributions are undeniable. By rescuing girls from FGM and early marriage, they are creating pathways for education, economic independence, and leadership. Their work also fosters intergenerational change, as families begin to question traditions that once seemed immutable.
As Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election, the role of grassroots advocates like Naramat and Guracha becomes even more critical. Their efforts align with national policies aimed at eradicating harmful practices, but sustained progress requires broader political will and community buy-in. For now, their resilience and dedication offer a beacon of hope for girls in Samburu, Marsabit, and beyond.
The stories of Josephine Naramat and Dahabo Guracha exemplify the power of personal experience to drive social change. Their work not only protects individual girls but also challenges the cultural norms that have long suppressed their potential. As they continue their advocacy, they remind the world that education and empowerment are not just rights—they are the foundation of a just and equitable society.