Maasai Rite of Passage Stops Female Circumcision

October 10, 2012 by Robin Eschler

Teri Gabrielsen of Africa Schools of Kenya celebrates the first alternative rite of passage for 52 young women in the ASK Maasai community. These girls, rather than experiencing the pain and risks associated with female genital mutilation (FGM), have entered Maasai womanhood with joy and acceptance from the community and learning about the health issues associated with the ancient tradition of genital cutting. Through a long path of establishing respectful communication and providing education to the youth, Teri and ASK enjoy with pride the steps the Maasai are taking to understand and embrace changes in their culture while providing an education for their children.

Teri also reports that the Maasai women’s jewelry and beading sales are now supporting the Esiteti school established through ASK. Their first young woman has graduated high school and has received a scholarship for college. More are in line to accomplish a similar path.

To learn more about the progress of ASK, and to enjoy giving the beading as gifts, click her to visit our Socially Conscious Blog. This episode is also available via podcast through the iTunes store. You can also subscribe to the podcast for all episodes through our RSS.

Filed Under: World Tagged With: Africa Schools of Kenya, female circumcision, female genital cutting, female genital mutilation, FGM, maasai, robin eschler, socially conscious investing, Teri Gabrielsen

About Robin Eschler

Robin L. Eschler, the founder of Social Impact Marketing, started her career in developing foundational marketing strategies for companies of all sizes, from Fortune 500 to individual entrepreneurs and local businesses. She has developed and implemented international campaigns to launch high tech products and services and guided new business owners to successfully navigate the difficulties of growing a business.

Her life-long passion for helping others led her into nonprofit work for over a decade. Early on, she recognized the need for nonprofits to adapt to a rapidly changing world in which technology dominates and for-profit business practices are central to success. Her determination to help social causes in a sustainable way led to her creation of the Women's Radio show Socially Conscious Investing.

Impact investing in for-profits with a mission of social change such as the fight against extreme poverty is a blossoming business sector around the world. With the economic decline, it's clear that Wall Street requires change. Social impact investing addresses that need in a way that provides financial and social ROI.

As the Host of Socially Conscious Investing on WomensRadio, Robin's goal is to educate people about the growth of social impact investing and social venture. Interviews are conducted with socially conscious business experts including foundations and nonprofits, social venture investment firms, micro-loan organizations, investors, educators, authors and social entrepreneurs.

This show's mission is to help change the world through sustainable business practices that contribute to the economy, combat poverty, end hunger and provide better lives to all.

Twice, Robin has been recognized and received the highest honorary award that Rotary International gives, the Paul Harris Award, for service above self. Her community work has included developing local programs for disadvantaged populations such as foster children, troubled teens, and people with disabilities.

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