How Nice Nailantei Leng’ete is driving change to end female genital mutilation
- Lotterynews
At the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York City, Postcode Lottery Group international ambassador and Kenyan activist Nice Nailantei Leng’ete shared her inspiring efforts to end female genital mutilation.
Photo: activist Nice Nailantei Leng’ete at the stage of CGI 2024 in New York City
At the Clinton Global Initiative 2024, the spotlight was firmly on Kenyan human rights activist Nice Nailantei Leng'ete as she revealed her deeply personal journey of advocating for gender equality and fighting against female genital mutilation (FGM).
Nailantei Leng'ete, who receives funding of the Postcode Lottery, is working to put a stop to FGM and uplift women and girls in Africa through community-based and community-led activism. Onstage, she was accompanied by Postcode Lottery Group CEO Sigrid van Aken.
Conflict areas
Nice Nailantei Leng'ete and Sigrid van Aken were interviewed by CNN’s Chief International Correspondent and author, Clarissa Ward. Ward is a renowned, Peabody Award- and Emmy Award-winning frontline journalist, celebrated for her courageous reporting from conflict zones.
The session, titled ‘Women on the Frontline’ highlighted Nailantei Leng'ete's expertise and deep understanding of the challenges faced in conflict areas. The emotional weight of her story moved Clarissa Ward and the audience alike, underscoring the profound impact of her experiences.
Photo: CNN reporter Clarissa Ward interviewing activist Nice Nailantei Leng’ete and Postcode Lottery Group CEO Sigrid van Aken
Fighting injustice
Nice Nailantei Leng'ete’s story is one of resilience. Growing up in Southern Kenya, she faced the harsh reality of FGM as a rite of passage in her community, which not only ended girls' education but often led to early, forced marriages.
She said: “When my time came at eight years old, my sister and I ran away.” While she escaped the procedure, her sister was not as fortunate, facing circumcision and a forced marriage. “It pained me deeply, but it fueled my determination to fight this injustice.”
Starting at just 15, Nailantei Leng'ete’ has dedicated her life to ending FGM and gender-based violence. She has protected over 21,000 girls through alternative rites of passage and community-driven solutions.
“What happened to my sister and other girls in my village must never happen again,” she said. “I’m committed to ensuring every girl can grow up free from violence.”
Systemic change
The Postcode Lottery Group has been a pivotal supporter of Nailantei Leng'ete’s work. CEO Sigrid van Aken: “Our mission is to strengthen civil society by providing long-term financial backing to causes like Nice’s. We have seen incredible progress, but systemic change requires consistent support. That’s what we’re committed to doing.”
The Postcode Lottery Group has not only helped expand the work of Nailantei Leng'ete in Kenya but also enabled the scaling of these efforts across other countries where FGM remains prevalent, such as Tanzania, Uganda, and Senegal.
The session 'Women on the Frontline' on the stage of CGI.
A safe haven for girls
Nice Nailantei Leng'ete has founded the Nice Place Foundation, that offers a safe haven for girls escaping FGM and early marriage. The foundation provides psychological support, leadership training, and education, including computer skills and personal development. “When I was growing up, girls had no place to run to,” she told. “Now, these girls have a home where they can heal, learn, and become leaders in their own right.”
Nailantei Leng'ete works closely with local communities to foster change, engaging cultural leaders and using sports like football to bring men into the conversation. “Ending FGM isn’t just a women’s issue — it’s a community issue,” she said. “With the support of the Postcode Lottery, we’ve been able to involve hundreds of community members in our work.”
Commitment to justice
Reflecting on their partnership, Sigrid van Aken and Nice Nailantei Leng'ete acknowledged the shared mission that first brought them together 11 years ago. "When we first heard Nice’s story, we knew we had to support her,” Van Aken told. “Her courage and vision for a world free from violence against women inspired us all.”
Nailantei Leng'ete’s relationship with the Postcode Lottery has enabled her to expand her reach, but her ultimate goal remains clear: ending FGM in Kenya and beyond. She said: “We’re not stopping until every girl can live free from fear”.
Find out more about Nice Nailantei Leng'ete and her Nice Place Foundation.