One story continues to give her hope. For many years, girls who were not cut were treated as outcasts, and people believed they would never marry or have children. Today, she knows a young woman who chose not to undergo FGM, later got married, gave birth to a healthy five-year-old daughter, and lives happily within the community without facing the stigma that once existed. To Veronica, this is proof that change is possible and that communities can let go of harmful beliefs while preserving what is good in their culture.
The journey has not been easy. She has faced rejection and intimidation from morans who insisted that girls must undergo FGM because they would never marry an uncut woman. Those experiences tested her resolve, but joining SAFE Samburu gave her the knowledge, confidence, and support she needed to continue standing up for girls.
What makes Veronica’s approach different is her use of arts, songs, drama, and community workshops to start conversations around FGM and girls’ rights. She believes change happens more easily when people learn through familiar cultural expressions rather than confrontation.
Supporting one another mentally and emotionally is at the centre of her work. To Veronica, sisterhood means standing with one another through difficult moments, reminding each other that no one is walking this journey alone. She says that whenever she feels discouraged, she reaches out to one of her sisters for encouragement, and that support gives her the strength to keep going.
She believes ending FGM is a collective responsibility and calls on everyone to support frontline advocates,not only financially but also emotionally because lasting change requires communities to stand together.
Speaking about the Samburu community, Veronica describes it as a people rich in culture, known for their beautiful beadwork, colourful clothing, traditional songs, and strong sense of identity. She acknowledges that men have traditionally been the custodians of culture and decision-making, while women carry much of the responsibility for family life. Even so, she believes positive change is happening as more girls remain in school and more families begin to see education as a pathway to a better future.
Her greatest dream is to see every Samburu girl stay in school, remain free from FGM, and choose marriage on her own terms. She believes education is the safest place for a girl because it protects her future and opens doors that harmful practices can never offer.
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