Born: 1991 (Kimana, Maasai, Kenya)
Biography:
Nice Nailantei Leng’ete is a Kenyan human rights activist known for her tireless efforts to end female genital mutilation (FGM) and advocate for the rights of young girls. Born in 1991 in the village of Kimana in Maasai country, Kenya, Leng’ete’s life has been shaped by her personal experiences and her determination to create a better future for girls in her community and beyond.
At a young age, Leng’ete became aware of the painful and harmful practice of FGM, also known as the cut, which was a traditional rite of passage for girls in her Maasai culture. Witnessing the physical and emotional suffering endured by girls in her village who underwent FGM, Leng’ete knew that she did not want to go through the same ordeal. She saw young girls forced to drop out of school and enter into early marriages with older men, which severely limited their opportunities and violated their rights as children.
In a bold move, Leng’ete decided to run away when the time came for her to undergo FGM. Along with her sister, she fled and sought refuge at their aunt’s house, 70 kilometers away, to avoid being seen on the road. However, they were eventually discovered by her uncle and men from the village, who beat and threatened them. Undeterred, the following year, Leng’ete ran away again, but was unable to persuade her sister to join her.
When she was brought back to the village, Leng’ete made a courageous appeal to her grandfather. She expressed her willingness to live on the streets rather than endure the harmful practice of FGM. Recognizing her determination and the injustice of the tradition, her grandfather made the extraordinary decision to allow her to forego the ritual and continue her education.
However, Leng’ete faced significant challenges and was ostracized by her community. She became a target of criticism and was labeled as a disgrace and a shame to her family. Despite the hardships she faced, Leng’ete remained committed to her beliefs and continued to fight against FGM.
Her determination led her to join forces with Amref Health Africa, an organization dedicated to improving health in African communities. Leng’ete became a vocal advocate for alternative rites of passage (ARP) for girls, which could replace the harmful practice of FGM with empowering and educational ceremonies. Through her work, Leng’ete has saved an estimated 15,000 girls from undergoing FGM and childhood marriages.
Leng’ete’s efforts to end FGM have garnered international recognition and acclaim. In 2018, she was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, further amplifying her voice and the importance of her cause. Her groundbreaking work has not only transformed the lives of countless girls but has also challenged deep-rooted cultural norms and traditions.
Leng’ete’s story is a testament to the power of individual courage and determination in the face of adversity. Her relentless pursuit of equality and rights for young girls has not only shaped her own life but has also had a profound impact on society. Through her advocacy and activism, Leng’ete has played a vital role in reshaping the narrative around FGM and has made significant contributions to women’s history.
Awards:
– Time 100 Most Influential People (2018)