My Rating - 4 out of 5 stars
Publisher - HachetteGenre - Memoir
Publishing year - 2021
Language - English
ISBN - 978-1-4722-7581-3
Pages - 232
Book Review -
The Girls in the Wild Fig Tree is a poignant and inspiring memoir that sheds light on the deeply rooted cultural practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) and one woman's courageous fight against it. Written by Nice Leng'ete, a Kenyan activist and co-authored by Elizabeth Butler-Witter, this book takes readers on a compelling journey through Leng'ete's life, capturing her determination to challenge age-old traditions and empower young girls.
Nice's story begins in her Massai village in Kenya, where she faced the imminent threat of undergoing FGM herself. This profoundly ingrained practice is not only physically harmful but also perpetuates gender inequality and denies girls their fundamental human rights. As a young girl, the author witnessed the devasting consequences of FGM that made her courageous enough to defy societal norms and protect herself.
Within Maasai culture, a deeply entrenched practice of FGM, referred to as "The Cut," involves the removal of the clitoris once a girl reaches puberty. This procedure is typically performed at home and followed by a celebratory event. However, the consequences for the girls are severe, including heavy bleeding, no access to medical assistance, the permanent loss of sexual pleasure, painful childbirth, urination, and, in some cases, even premature death.
Furthermore, in Massai culture, a girl is only regarded as an adult after undergoing "The Cut," leading to early marriages with older men. This forces young girls to abandon their education, confine themselves to household duties, and become pregnant at a young age. The author bravely escaped the clutches of FGM, but her decision brought about a sense of shame in her community. Not only was she denied recognition as an adult, but being a woman also posed additional challenges in making people understand and acknowledge the issues surrounding FGM and women's health.
However, she gradually achieved her goal through perseverance and the support of her education and organizations like Amref. In 2011 Kenya outlawed the cut practice, and by 2014, the Massai people completely abandoned it. It's important to note that FGM is not exclusive to the Massai; numerous other tribes adhere to this tradition. Nice Leng'ete continues her dedicated efforts to educate and persuade these communities to end this harmful practice.
The book portrays her remarkable journey from her village to becoming an internationally recognized advocate against FGM. Her determination to seek education and forge alliances with organizations dedicated to eradicating this practice showed progress with time, as her relentless efforts to engage with community leaders, challenge their deep-seated beliefs, and ultimately convince them to abandon this harmful tradition.
The narrative is raw and authentic, showing the author's emotional struggles, the obstacles she faced, and the sacrifices she made to protect girls from the same pain she saw in the experiences of her kith and kin. Moreover, the book serves as an eye-opening exploration of FGM's more enormous societal implications.
It delves into the interconnectedness of culture, tradition, and gender inequality, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the complex factors that women had to endure. The author's journey inspires readers to question harmful customs and traditions within their communities and to actively work towards creating a world where girls are free from such practices.
In collaboration with Elizabeth Butler-Witter, Leng'ete's powerful voice is artfully captured on the pages of this book. The writing style is engaging and accessible, and the fast-paced short chapters ensure that readers of all backgrounds can connect with the story and its underlying messages.
This book is a testament to the power of one person's determination and the potential for grassroots activism to effect significant social change. Leng'ete's courage comes from her parents, especially her father, and I enjoyed reading about that part of her life too. Her story is essential for anyone interested in human rights, gender equality, and the fight against harmful cultural practices. I highly recommend it.
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