The Maasai are a nomadic community who move throughout central Kenya and northern Tanzania to pasture the cattle on which they depend. The tradition of female circumcision is deeply ingrained in their culture. Maasai folklore explains the origin of female circumcision in the story of Naipei, a young girl who has intercourse with the enemy of her family and is punished through circumcision. Upon reaching adolescence, Maasai girls are circumcised in a ceremony marking the girl’s coming of age.
Despite criminalization of female circumcision by the Kenyan government in 2002, the practice continues, but some Maasai are questioning the necessity of the practice and assisting girls in making an informed choice regarding it.
Child marriage is prevalent among the Maasai and puts girls at risk for serious economic, health, and educational problems. Research conducted on early marriage worldwide shows that girls who marry young are more likely to live in poverty and to experience violence at home, and are much less likely to continue attending school.
Peacework volunteers have an opportunity to contribute to improving the lives of girls and women in Maasailand in partnership with the following local organizations:
