In the heart of Kenya, a groundbreaking initiative has emerged, blending the glamour of the runway with the harsh realities faced by many young girls in the Maasai community. The SILANTOI SERIES, born out of the Modelling and Empowerment for Future Festivals (MEFF), transcends the conventional boundaries of fashion and culture to address deeply rooted issues such as female genital mutilation (FGM), gender-based violence (GBV), and early marriages. This blog post explores the transformative power of the SILANTOI SERIES, its goals, methodology, and the lasting impact it aims to create.
The Unbroken Spirits
At the core of the SILANTOI SERIES lies the captivating journey of Silantoi, a young Maasai girl who becomes the emblematic protagonist symbolizing unbroken spirits against harmful traditions. The series aims to shed light on the challenges faced by girls like Silantoi, who escape practices like FGM, SGBV, and child marriage, finding refuge in rescue centers. Beyond physical safety, these girls grapple with trauma, and the series serves as a response to their struggles, seeking to seamlessly reintegrate them into their communities.
Goals and Objectives
The SILANTOI SERIES is a multifaceted initiative with a range of goals, including providing an alternative event to traditional harmful practices, facilitating the integration of rescued individuals, showcasing advocacy through episodes during the annual festival, raising awareness about harmful practices, preserving Maasai cultural heritage, and instilling community pride in embracing change.
Approach and Methodology
Employing a dramatic storytelling model, the SILANTOI SERIES weaves together coming-of-age themes, advocacy, and education. The central characters, particularly Silantoi and other modeling participants, serve as champions of change, challenging harmful practices and advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Activities and Expected Outputs
The project unfolds through annual festivals, community dialogues, and advocacy initiatives, aiming to achieve tangible results such as a paradigm shift in community perceptions and heightened awareness of harmful practices.
Stakeholders and Sustainability
Key stakeholders include civil society organizations, the production team, actors, Maasai community members, NGOs, and viewers. The sustainability of the SILANTOI SERIES is highlighted through its potential to inspire spin-off initiatives, including educational programs, workshops, and ongoing community engagement activities.
Impact on the Community
The SILANTOI SERIES holds the potential to create a positive impact by challenging and eradicating harmful practices, encouraging open discussions, promoting education, and empowering young girls and boys. Silantoi’s journey becomes a powerful narrative inspiring resistance and transformation within the community, fostering economic empowerment and reshaping cultural narratives.
More than just a drama series, the SILANTOI SERIES stands as a transformative initiative striving for societal change. By addressing harmful cultural practices, advocating for the rights of girls and boys, and fostering a cultural shift towards acceptance and empowerment, the series aspires to leave an enduring impact on the Maasai community and beyond. Through collaboration, engaging storytelling, and a commitment to sustainability, the SILANTOI SERIES is set to shape a legacy of empowerment and resilience.
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Contributors:
Alice Masinte- Naret Intoiye CBO
Dorcus Indalo- Amref Health Africa
Rovinnah Maureen- Amref Health Africa
Grace Naserian Shirim- Amref Health Africa
Beatrice Olouch- Amref Health Africa