Githinji Patrick Wilson

Main Prize - 2009
Through his painting, this Kenyan artist tackles a taboo subject in his country - female circumcision. Patrick believes that although this practice makes communities proud to feel they are helping these young girls, claiming that it reduces immorality in society by reducing sexual desires, that it is in fact is an out-dated cultural practice. He adds that the tradition occurs in communities where they make decisions for very young girls and force them into early marriage.

Fast Facts

Year of Entry: 2009
Category: Main Prize
Artform: Painting
Location: Kenya
Permalink: http://www.freedomtocreate.com/githinji-patrick-wilson

Location

Comments

“Iqram was 12 years old when she was forced to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM). She was then forced to get married to a man who was much older than she was. Two years into her marriage, she become pregnant with her first baby. Nine months later when her time to deliver came, there was no hospital near her home and her husband took her to the nearest clinic. It was not well equipt. Due to FGM she had complications that led to too much bleeding and many hours in labour. The doctors could only manage to save teh baby and Iqram died. leaving her baby without a mother. (North Eastern Kenya)”
Githinji Patrick Wilson
“I wish kenyans can go out of their way to stop this dehumanising action. Patrick has used his God given talent to advocate for this cause. Keep it up patrick.”
.lucy Kings
“I have decided to take this comment and artist as from this part of Mount Kenya region, they are passing through the darkest suffering to sell their products and no one has heard this voice of their suffering.”
Githinji Patrick Wilson