The Restorers (Kenyan group)

We are LIVE with Sakharov finalists The Restorers, a group of five students from Kenya who have developed an app helping girls deal with female genital mutilation

The Restorers are a group of five Kenyan teenagers from Kisumu High School who gained international recognition for their innovative project aimed at tackling female genital mutilation (FGM) through technology. The group developed a mobile app named i-Cut, which provides girls at risk of FGM with access to legal and medical assistance. The app also offers a platform for reporting and escaping FGM practices, marking a significant step towards eradicating this harmful cultural practice in Kenya and beyond.

Background

Female genital mutilation, a deeply entrenched cultural practice in some communities, involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is recognized internationally as a violation of human rights. The Restorers, motivated by the desire to protect girls from this harmful practice, leveraged their skills in technology to create a solution that empowers potential victims of FGM.

Development of i-Cut

The idea for i-Cut was conceived during the Technovation Challenge, a global competition that encourages girls to solve real-world problems through technology. The Restorers, comprising Stacy Owino, Purity Achieng, Ivy Akinyi, Synthia Otieno, and Macrine Atieno, were moved by stories of girls in their community who had undergone FGM and decided to use their project to fight against the practice.

i-Cut operates as a simple, user-friendly mobile application that connects girls at risk of FGM with rescue centers and provides legal and medical support. It features several key functions, including a distress call option, reporting and tracking of FGM cases, and educational resources about the effects of FGM and the rights of girls.

Impact and Recognition

The Restorers' innovative approach to combating FGM through technology has garnered international attention and praise. Their work highlights the potential of digital solutions in addressing cultural and social issues, particularly in communities where traditional practices are deeply rooted. The team has been featured in various media outlets and has participated in international forums to share their project and inspire other young innovators.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the positive impact of i-Cut, The Restorers face challenges, including resistance from communities where FGM is a valued tradition, and the need for more widespread access to technology to ensure the app reaches those in need. Moving forward, the team aims to expand the app's reach and functionality, including multilingual support and enhanced features for anonymity and safety for its users.

Conclusion

The Restorers represent a new generation of activists using technology to tackle longstanding human rights issues. Their work on i-Cut demonstrates the power of innovation and youth engagement in creating meaningful change. As they continue to develop their project and advocate for the eradication of FGM, The Restorers serve as an inspiration to young people everywhere to use their skills and passions to make a difference in the world.