The JELIDA FOUNDATION stands as a somber yet powerful reminder of the urgent need to address the grave issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) in communities across Kenya and beyond. At the heart of this foundation is the tragic story of Jelida, a vibrant 14-year-old girl from Linjooka village, whose life was cut short due to complications related to this harmful practice.

Jelida exemplified hope and potential, dreams that were brutally extinguished when she became one of six girls subjected to FGM. Despite the formal prohibition on such practices under the 2011 Act, deep-seated cultural beliefs continue to perpetuate FGM, leaving many girls vulnerable. The pain of Jelida’s experience did not end with her untimely death; her family’s struggle to navigate grief and cultural expectations added layers to her tragedy.

Her body remained in the mortuary for three long months, a reflection of the stigma surrounding her death and the myths

surrounding burial rites in her culture (where girls who have not borne any child cannot be buried at their home, but dumped in the forest or abandon in hospital morgue).

The refusal of her extended family to bury her underscored the tragic consequences of archaic beliefs, leaving Jelida isolated even in death. However, through the relentless advocacy of human rights activists led by Kathure Thiakunu, and with the support of the Meru Council of Elders (Njuri Ncheke), Jelida was ultimately given a proper burial on March 16, 2019. This act was not just a funeral; it

was a significant step towards healing and justice for others who have suffered similarly. It is out of this small victory that Jelida Foundation was born.Despite these efforts, the haunting reality remains: no one has been held accountable for Jelida’s death, and she is not alone in this tragedy. This is despite the widespread protests in Laare

Town by human rights activists demanding justice for Jelida, even in her death. As the Jelida Foundation continues its mission, it seeks to raise awareness about the devastating impacts of FGM, aiming to ensure that no other girls become a statistic of FGM; more so, suffer the same fate like Jelida. The cries for justice echo through the stories of countless girls who, like Jelida, have been silenced by cultural practices that deny them their fundamental rights and freedoms.

Empathy must guide our actions as we work to dismantle these harmful traditions. Jelida Foundation’s Vision is to Restore Dignity for Girls while our Mission is to empower girls and women to develop and achieve their vision for the future and inspire large-scale movements leading to dignity for all. The foundation aims not only to remember Jelida but also to create a future where every girl can live free from the threat of FGM, child marriage, teenage pregnancy and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence, filled with hope and possibility. Together, we can transform grief into action, ensuring that Jelida’s legacy sparks change, inspiring communities to reject FGM and embrace the inherent value of every girl’s life.