To empower women and girls in the patriarchal Maasai society in Kenya, young men must become part of the conversation about gender equality and girls’ education and advocate for girls’ rights and health. A good place to begin is by having young men contest and question harmful traditions and practices, such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriage, the main barriers that stand in the way of girls’ education, their health, and their dignity.

In Maasailand, a small but very significant group of young men called the Anti-Cut warriors are shifting the cultural landscape by challenging Maasai social and gender norms. This group is inspiring a quiet revolution in Maasailand and calling on elders to break the cycle of cultural practices that deprive girls of their rights.

The Anti-Cut warriors are a group of progressive young Maasai men from remote villages in Maasailand, many of whom dropped out of school themselves. Founded by Lelein Ole Kaunga in 2013, the group comprises about 750 young men between ages 15-27. They recently graduated from moranhood (warriorhood) to become junior elders in the Maasai hierarchy.

Through public speaking, visits to schools, working directly with pupils, teachers, and mothers, the Anti-Cut Warriors engage with and challenge the custodians of traditions to stop FGM. According to these warriors, girls are important members of society who are entitled to an education. They also call for girls to have voice, power and the right to make decisions that affect their lives and wellbeing.

Read the full article about young men changing gender norms of Maasai people by Damaris Seleina Parsitau at Brookings.